"Sighhhhh....she is FINALLY home!"

Afghanistan deployment complete!!! Life changing, new comrades and friendships made, memories tucked away deep in her mind. CHECK!
It seemed like the longest 6 months of my life...and I can't imagine how it was for her? We watched the hot warm summer fade into a cool somewhat colorful fall then the cold of winter (minus the snow, thank goodness!) appeared. We celebrated September Birthday's, Labor Day, Halloween, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, MLK Day, Valentine's Day and even the fall back time change. And she got up everyday to the beige sandy, heartless, cold shouldered war zone. But, we made it!

I would be lying if I said it was easy and I couldn't have done it if not for the aid of Skype. Chelsea and I kept in touch almost daily using it. Even if it was a quick SMS of "Hope you have a Super De DOOPER Day, Be careful out there Princess Airman!"and at least once a month we would use the video phone and spend endless hours just catching up. Sometimes just being in the same room via Skype while the other did mundane activities was just as important as seeing her face and hearing her voice!


How did families ever survive without it? I cannot imagine waiting for the mailman day after day to get a letter with details and words written in a war zone? God bless the modern age and the inventor!!

Chelsea returned to the US in the late hours of February 15th and by the 16th she was putting her combat boots safely upon South Dakota soil!!! What I would've given to be there to welcome her home. But, it will have to wait. Orders have been already given and she is still on duty, so I will have to wait for her to get her leave approved and then, when she gets here, I plan on hanging on to her for dear life!

Don't let anybody tell you that being deployed to a war zone is fun or easy and that they are never in harms way. Thanks to my family and friends and a LOT of prayers, she has returned physically unharmed and we are all grateful and ecstatic!

Did I tell you guys that on the 16th I slept like I haven't in 6 months....it was heavenly!
My baby girl, Princess Airman is home, safe and sound, Welcome back my hero! All I have left to say is, "WHEW and SIGHHHH!"