We welcomed my nephew, Bobby, home this week after he served a year-long tour of duty in Afghanistan. Family greeted him in style at the airport, accompanied by the Patriot Guard Riders, flags waving, and our hearts soaring high with love and gratitude that our Bobby was safely returned to us.
It has been a difficult year for all. Bobby in particular enduring the hard work and dangerous missions he was focused on day after day, "just doing his job". His family marking each day off the calendar til his return, praying always that it would be a safe one. We rallied here at home when we knew a hard battle was being fought, his dad glued to the internet looking for any news he could find that might give him a clue as to what was going on. Family, friends, and co-workers were very supportive by rallying right along with us. Once in a while, we could give a short sigh of relief in learning he was not flying missions for a few days as maintenance on his chopper was being done, but for the most part it has been a long, grueling year for us all.
The year came to an end with word that finally Bobby had left Afghanistan, and was beginning his long trip back to the U.S.A. It was like waiting for Christmas with all the anticipation, and at times wondering if the day would ever come. We likened the news of "Where is Bobby now?" with tracking Santa and his sleigh on Christmas Eve! Finally, the news was in, Bobby has just landed at Fort Campbell, and an hour later a phone call. Bobby's voice on the phone. What a joy to hear his voice and know he is on United States soil, surrounded by family to greet him. The rest of us would have to wait a couple weeks longer before he was released on leave to come home to Colorado. Thus our homecoming welcome at the airport, and a day of celebration with family and friends.
Bobby was presented with a Harley Davidson, his homecoming gift for the service he gave to his country. He sold his motorcycle before he went to Iraq a few years ago, knowing he wouldn't have the opportunity to ride. He and his dad would talk about the road trips they would take together when he gets out of the service in April. It gave both of them something else to focus on during rough times. Now he will again ride with his dad and the rest of us, safe at home at last.
