Day 182: Our best day

It's funny how out of all the days of your life it's so easy to quickly identify the ones that go down as "the best" -

• The day I met Dan
• The day Dan and I were married
• The day M was born
• The day P was born
• The day the Cubs won the World Series (wishful thinking...)
  
• The first time Dan came home from deployment
• The second time Dan came home from deployment
• The third time Dan came home from deployment

Yesterday was incredible for so many reasons. In a true Anne moment (or, as our good friends call them - a "Pulver move"), we actually missed welcoming Dan home off the plane. I was waiting with the kids in the baggage claim area watching the monitor to see when his plane would land. Little did I know the monitor was completely off and his plan was already on the ground and everyone had deplaned. I finally went to check again, turned the corner and saw a group of reservists standing around - my husband included. I don't think I'll ever forget the moment when I recognized the back of his head and it became real to me that he was actually home, safe and sound.

As you can imagine, celebration ensued. I wasn't sure how the kids would react - would they be anxious? Nervous? Scared? Enthralled? Turns out kids are pretty easy. The minute they saw their Daddy their faces broke into huge smiles and it was as if he had never left. As for us, Dan and I had about a 30 second adjustment period and then fell right back into lockstep. The fact that we're reuniting so beautifully is just another testament to the strength, courage and conviction of my amazing husband. He has chosen to leave the horrors - and trust me, they were plentiful - of Afghanistan behind and instead focus on his family and living in the present.

And that, my friends, is where our deployment story comes to a close. I want to thank each and every person who read this blog for supporting our family during this tumultuous time. The past 8 months have solidified my belief that people are inherently good and will come together to support you in your time of need. Throughout our journey, we heard from family, friends, long lost classmates, friends of friends and complete strangers. Everyone had the same message to share - we are here for you, you are not alone, we are thinking/praying/wishing/hoping that your husband will return home safely. Thank you to everyone who supported us - today, all our prayers were answered!!!!