This morning as I pulled out of our neighborhood, Sally and Susan wanted to know why there were flags at the end of the cul-de-sac. I turned my head to look back, then shrugged. Maybe today is Washington’s or Lincoln’s actual birthday, I guessed.
I dropped them off at school; Susan was incensed that her refusal to get dressed in a timely manner meant that she got dropped off second. I had to stop for gas (thanks, Dick) and it started snowing; so much for my optimistic flipflops.
As I left Seagull Fountain with only Spot now in the car, I slowed down to wonder why there was a cavalcade of cars and both of the city’s fire trucks, and assorted police vehicles, lights on, no sirens, turning on to my street. Still, I just shrugged again and continued on.
Spot and I bought milk and frozen fish sticks and came back through the increasing flurries.
That’s when I noticed the banner on the garage of the house down the street:
WELCOME HOME SGT. PATTERSON.
And now I can’t stop crying.
It’s silly, because I haven’t even met the people who live in that house yet, as far as I know. I don’t know the Pattersons.
But if it were my son or my husband, or my daughter or my mother coming home, I would be crying on my knees.
It’s silly, because I don’t even have any close soldiers overseas right now. I don’t know the moms and dads, husbands and wives, sons and daughters. I don’t know how long they’ve been gone, or in what condition they return.
I do know I’m not the only mother weeping today.
Welcome home, Sergeant Patterson. And thank you.
Jane
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Jane,
One of the soldiers in our neighborhood cam home today as well. Flags all over and such gratitude for his willingness to serve. Go ahead and cry! Thanks for sharing
Wow. I’d be crying, too. In fact, the tears are almost falling out.
Anything soldier related makes me breakdown. I also think it is amazing that a true hero got the hero’s welcome he deserved. Thanks for sharing.
Your cousin, Robert, came home today from Afghanistan in that same bunch this morning. You’re not as distant from “the action” as you think.
Evelyn’s school across the street had a parade of fire trucks this morning, too, as they brought a teacher (and dad of a girl at the school) there that just got back.
God bless America, and the citizens of this great country who are still patriotic.
Last year, when my girlfriend’s son came home from Iraq, I experienced much the same thing. The whole ward and neighborhood (lucky us!) encircled their cul de sac, waving flags and cheering as he rode in with his head sticking out from the sun roof of his parents’ SUV. We ALL cried. And it was beautiful.
Nancy — I thought of Robert, but then, since I wasn’t sure, figured I couldn’t claim that as close,* but I’m super glad and happy he’s home safe! (Though possibly not quite as happy as his beautiful wife and kids must be! Hooray!)
(*I have about 70 first cousins)
if its silly to cry over this then i am glad to be silly in such good company….
Thank you Sgt Patterson, and Robert, and WELCOME HOME
steff
I did too. Especially when I had to explain to Josh what all the flags were for. And then I had to explain why Ssg. Patterson had been gone. That really did it. I cried because of gratitude for what he and countless others have done and are doing so that I can go about my own insignificant little life in peace. And I cried because I know how happy that family is. Things like what happened today make me step outside myself and see a much bigger picture.
Well, now I’m crying too. My husband spent May-November in Iraq and then Nov-May in Afghanistan (2007-2008).
It’s always nice to know that others not so close to the “action” appreciate the sacrifice of our soldiers.
~Brandi
I don’t have any close friends or relatives overseas right now either, but I’d cry too. It’s a miracle when they get to return home, and every miracle deserves a tear or two.
“Welcome home, Sergeant Patterson. And thank you.”
You said it perfectly.
I agree w/ Nikki–you said it perfectly.
It is an honor to have a family member or neighbor serving our country. We took yellow ribbons door to door in our last neighborhood when a neighbor left to serve in Iraq.
Thank you for this post! My husband just returned home last November from a 14 month tour in Iraq. We have three little girls, ages 4 and under; the baby was only 11 days old when he left. We are so glad to have him back, safe and sound. Our welcome home ceremony was much quieter and private, but no less joyous.
P.S. I found your blog through my cousin Kimberly’s blog (“Realistic Idealist”). I loved your post “Why Comments Matter” so much that I posted it on my blog too (http://armywifemomof3.blogspot.com/). I hope that was okay. I’ve since glanced at a little more of your blog and I like your stuff. I think I’ll keep reading, if you don’t mind.
Oh wow, that’s powerful stuff. Did you have a chance later in the day to explain the flags to Sally & Susan? I don’t know why, cuz I’m definitely not some uber-patriotic super conservative “American,” but I totally have a fierce passionate response to stories like this, something powerful and righteous just gets stirred up inside me. I don’t know Sgt. Patterson either, but thanks dude, I’m glad you made it home. I wish you didn’t have to go in the first place, and I hope your return to normal life goes smoothly. Glad you’re back.
I love this post Jane! It gave me some serious goosebumps. I have so much love and respect for those soldiers and their families. It’s one of those things that is beyond me to even wrap my mind around what they go through. But I am so glad they are willing to.