Hero's Welcome
The scene at the airport was a lot different for Deven's arrival from Aghanistan as compared to his return from Iraq. One guess is that it's been the setting for so many soldier's welcomes over the past 10 years, it's just not as novel and exciting as it used to be. Still, nearly every stranger in the area stopped to watch and smile.
I rode down with Kit, his lady Julie, and my two youngest grandchildren. We stopped in YC to pick up Connor and had to wait in his mother's front yard until they got back from the store. Nerve-racking. Connor jumped out of his mom's van and we ran to each other for hugs. He looked up at me, big smile on his his handsome freckled face, and said, "You've changed a lot!"
I do look different since last time he saw me. I've let my hair go gray and recently had it cut in a pixie (real short). He's changed, too, I told him. Tall, slim, so handsome with all his baby-ness gone. It was great I got to sit in the back with him; we talked about school and sports and stuff.
During the seemingly forever wait for Deven to come down, Connor was the only person who couldn't be distracted from keeping his eyes on the arrivals ramp, except when his big brother poked and teased him, which he loved. Even when Bryan stepped over to say Hello and get hugs, Connor watched for his father's tan boots and desert fatigue pants, anxiously shifting his weight, contorting his fingers, wringing his hands.
When he saw Deven, a huge smile crossed his face and he lurched forward. When he seemed momentarily unsure I gave him the nod; "Go ahead, Connor. Go!"; and he took off running. Deven's eyes were on Kris until Connor was within feet of him. A moment later, Connor had jumped into his arms. Everyone, even Bryce and Kris, hung back and let Deven and Connor have a few minutes.
And, of course, it's a mother's job to let others go first....and her privilege to witness the love others have for her son.
I rode down with Kit, his lady Julie, and my two youngest grandchildren. We stopped in YC to pick up Connor and had to wait in his mother's front yard until they got back from the store. Nerve-racking. Connor jumped out of his mom's van and we ran to each other for hugs. He looked up at me, big smile on his his handsome freckled face, and said, "You've changed a lot!"
I do look different since last time he saw me. I've let my hair go gray and recently had it cut in a pixie (real short). He's changed, too, I told him. Tall, slim, so handsome with all his baby-ness gone. It was great I got to sit in the back with him; we talked about school and sports and stuff.
During the seemingly forever wait for Deven to come down, Connor was the only person who couldn't be distracted from keeping his eyes on the arrivals ramp, except when his big brother poked and teased him, which he loved. Even when Bryan stepped over to say Hello and get hugs, Connor watched for his father's tan boots and desert fatigue pants, anxiously shifting his weight, contorting his fingers, wringing his hands.
When he saw Deven, a huge smile crossed his face and he lurched forward. When he seemed momentarily unsure I gave him the nod; "Go ahead, Connor. Go!"; and he took off running. Deven's eyes were on Kris until Connor was within feet of him. A moment later, Connor had jumped into his arms. Everyone, even Bryce and Kris, hung back and let Deven and Connor have a few minutes.
And, of course, it's a mother's job to let others go first....and her privilege to witness the love others have for her son.