Welcome Home!

I live in a military town, but they make it very easy for us to forget
that. Yes there are cool planes flying around all the time, and I see
uniformed people out at lunch every once in a while, but most of the
time I am just living my life.

Last night I went to get husband some dinner. I decided to get some
dinner rolls for Christmas dinner as well. I walked down the counter
to see what rolls they had available, and when I returned to the
register there was a man standing there.
"Good evening." I said. "Having a good night?"
" I am having a great night, I am so happy to be home. I just got back
from Iraq." He said.

My brain starts whirring, what do I say, don't be disrespectful, does
he want to talk about it, he wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't.
CRAP what do I say. "Are you overwhelmed?" Crap, why did I say that!

"No," he said, "I am just so happy to be back! I missed being home I
was in Iraq for seven and half years."

"Oh, My GOD! That is amazing!" Luckily, because my foot was firmly in
my mouth by this time, the server came with all of my food and wanted
me to pay him. While this was happening I realized how lucky I was to
be so touched by this man. His amazing open heart happy to experience
all the Christmas time has to offer. I truly am blessed to have met
him. Once paid I asked, "can I give you a hug?" After a split second
he bashfully opens his arms wide, A hitch of emotion hits me and I
give him the best hug I have ever given. I whisper "thank you for
everything" in his ear, grab my bags and go.

I quietly cry on the way home for the gift he and the rest of our
soldiers so willingly give.

Merry Christmas everyone.