Thankful

First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July!  We certainly did.  This holiday is so special to all Americans, but I think it really hits home to anyone who has ever had a loved one serve in the military or know of someone who has.  I always think of my dad who served in Vietnam, and of course, Eric.  I'll never forget what it felt like to be away from him when he was in Iraq.  When he went overseas in 2003, they did not have much access to computers and certainly not much access to phones.  Even letters were getting lost in the mail.  So, everyday was torture.  I missed him more than I could ever describe and worried like I've never worried before.  His mom and I talked several times a day and really leaned on each other to get through it.  And finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he came home.  I was so excited to see him after all that time, and so nervous!  Eric's grandparents, mom and myself all drove to Kentucky to see him while he was being debriefed.  We drove on the fort and were told not to get out of the car; he would find us.  Do you think we listened?  Absolutely not!  There was NO WAY we were waiting any longer.  I remember frantically looking around at all the soldiers, not seeing mine.  Finally, I heard a familiar voice.  I stopped in my tracks, looked up, and there on the third floor was my man.  There really aren't words to describe what I was feeling in that very moment.  He ran down the stairs and I ran to him.  Almost like a movie, but so real.  We just grabbed each other, and I cried.  He was home.  He was safe.  Thank goodness.

July 16th marks 7 years to the day that he flew home from Iraq.  I always think of that time during this holiday, and it makes me so appreciative of everything I've been given.  And we are so grateful to those who have served and are currently serving our country, being away from their families and friends, and sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country.  I can't help but think of our friends, Mark and Shannon DeSouza.  Mark is serving his second tour overseas, and Shannon is home working and taking care of their precious one year old son, Ethan.  My heart hurts for them and we are diligently praying for them daily.

We had my family over on Sunday.  I stood in my kitchen for a minute and just took in the sight.  Everyone was fixing their plates, laughing and smiling.  It's moments like these that I just want to soak in.  It was a beautiful sight, and it was a reminder of how blessed we really are.  We have incredible families on both sides.

Here are the two pictures of our reunion 7 years ago.  I will treasure these forever, and just wanted to share them.  I love you, Eric Michelin.  You are my soldier, my soulmate, my best friend.  I couldn't be more proud of the Godly man you are, the husband you are, and the father that you are.