We wanted to be at the airport early so we could welcome our soldier home when he came up the escalators at the Atlanta airport. So we dashed off and stopped by Starbucks in Macon, Georgia and they were closed. Now, I’ll be honest, normally, I really need that first happy cup in the morning. However, it is difficult to be aggravated when you’re son is coming home from war and Starbucks employees deserve Thanksgiving morning off. So I settled for a cup of Seattle’s Best, and it was a … hot cup of “coffee.” Oh, well.

We arrived in Atlanta almost an hour early and I even got a parking space in the garage almost at the door. Yea! Everyone is smiling and laughing, especially Becky and Dana.

I got to tell you, he looked great all smiling coming off the escalators. For just a moment, I was taken back to the first time, he welcomed me off a flight. He was clapping and bouncing up and down in his stroller without much hair on his head wearing a Hudson Bay blanket type sweater. I was so thrilled to see him. Now I’m the one clapping and cheering as he I see him. We all hug but he doesn’t want to make a scene. I could care less, but hey, you just go with the flow. When we get outside though, I grab him and give God thanks and hug him real tight.

It is going to be a great day. We get in the van and Andrew says, I’m starved so we head to Cracker Barrel for breakfast and find a Starbucks! I’m being very patient, I want that cup of coffee from Starbucks! The day is filled with laughter and just catching up. Even the waitress gives me a hug! She can’t be with her children for Thanksgiving morning. She tells me as soon as two o’clock arrives she’s off to be with her children. God bless all of those who serve we holiday travelers. I tip her extra just because I’m grateful for her attitude as well as her service.

I notice there is a lot of touching. Everyone sits close in the restaurant and at home. You get the sense that in a deep way we have all longed for just this moment. God is so good! I want detail our day but I just wanted to share some with you.

I’m sitting on the deck and the sun has just set. It has been a great day, of stories, gifts, food, and watching the boys split firewood for their grandparents. We laugh when all six foot four inches of Benjamin winds up with the ax and swings with everything he has. Scary!! Christopher splits a log with a giant grub inside, I mean huge! Andrew decides to show the grub to his mother, fiance and sister. They have no appreciation for the humblest of God’s creatures. He returns laughing!

Everything has been good, except for the Lions game! The family is inside watching a movie together. But for just a few moments I wanted to slip outdoors and write a note, to say thanks to all of you who have prayed with us for this night. I’m surrounded with a sensory overload of familiar sounds of a Georgia night, the smell of fresh pine and life blessed with faith, family and friends. Thanks for being my friends!

Grace, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!