Wow…did I ever pick the wrong day to travel back home! The worst winter storm of the season. I figured we would be safe traveling through Phoenix, but those people do NOT know how to handle rain! It was raining for the first time in 6 months and it was downpour. You would think the world was ending! I guess that’s desert living for you.
We ended up getting stranded in Phoenix (No thanks to US Airway and AllegantAir…! Ahem.) and having to buy new tickets through American Airlines into Springfield the next day. We got to Dallas but almost got stranded there! Nothing will bring out the MamaBear faster than when the airlines (and weather) are keeping you from your babies! It’s amazing how quick, your survival skills try to kick in when you “feel” like someone/thing is keeping you from your kids. It’s truly mental!
Then I looked over at the guy next to me. He was figeting like all get out. He saw that I noticed him and sheepishly said, “I’m on leave and don’t want to miss one second of it with my family.”
Wow.
I felt stupid.
Here was this military guy who was on leave until the end of the month, then he was going back to the front line, Afganistan this time.
I had just seen my kids 4 days earlier…he hadn’t.
I have been there for every one of my kids’ birthdays…he hasn’t.
I have celebrated almost every holiday with my kids…he hasn’t.
I’ve talked to my children, every single day of their lives…he hasn’t.
That hit me like a brick.
I don’t know if he ever made it home. I know that that particular flight was cancelled and he didn’t switch to the same flight we did. There was one more flight to Springfield later in the day. I sure hope he made that one.
I prayed for him and his family. I also thanked the good Lord for blessing me with the type of situation where I have my husband and children by my side every day.
It’s the little things that are really so huge.
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Wow – that story made my eyes a little misty. Sure puts things into perspective doesn’t it? I’m praying the time he has with his family will be an incredibly blessed.
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It DOES put things into perspective. I can’t stop thinking about him and his family.
-Jen
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What a sacrifice our service men and women make for us everyday…..Thank God for them.
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I hope he got home and quick!
My sister shared a story on her blog similar to that. Check it out but beware it’s a heart tugger for our servicemen and a wonderful example of the Christlike love of a stranger. Here’s the link: http://www.ayearofhappy.com/2009/12/catching-the-spirit.html
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AND… I too am so thankful for my family and how blessed I have always been to have them close. Eternally grateful for servicemen and women and their huge sacrifices.
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