Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Sandy's reaction


Monday morning Chad took Cole and Cody to school. He played basketball with them and some friends of Cole's before school started. The friends thought he was the coolest...which made Cole very happy.
After that Chad and I went to town to surprise Sandy at school. We had the office call her classroom and she wasn't there! The secretary said she's probably running late and at Taco Bell because her and her friend Sloan go there everyday before school. So I call her cell phone and tell her I'm at the school and brought her graduation announcements. She was excited and said she was at taco bell and would be right there. The office was full of people, students, staff, mailman, etc. Chad was sitting in one of the secretary chairs behind the desk. I thought she'd see me and talk to me for a minute and then spot Chad sitting over there, but noooo! She glanced over at me and then saw him. She was behind that desk so fast hugging him tight. She was so surprised and crying happy tears. I barely had time to get my camera out...let alone trying to get pictures with so many people in the office. I missed some great shots, but at least I got some. The principal gave her permission to leave for the rest of the day as long as she makes up her time. There was no way she could have concentrated on school work. We left and met Mark, Kyle, and Mark's brother, Spencer for lunch, then took Chad to get a much needed haircut, then to rent a car for him to drive while he's here. I'm all out of loaner vehicles since he was in an accident with my truck on his last time home in December. I had to put the rental car in my name because he's too young to rent a car. I think it's crazy that he's old enough to fight for our country, but not to rent a car.
You know what makes me crazy is that on the news all the talk is about Iraq with little to nothing mentioned about Afghanistan. In the few short months he's been there, he has been in danger so many times. He is in infantry and is the driver for the lead hummer in their convoys. They have had numerous gun encounters with the Taliban. It's just so scary for me as a mom to have MY son being shot at, yet Iraq is the "scary place" It's all scary...war is scary! No matter where our soldiers are serving, they are in danger. If I had any control over his life, he wouldn't be fighting. I don't want him to be just another number in the list of causalities. That may sound selfish, but a mothers instinct is to protect her children. How on earth am I going to be able to let him go back there in a few short days? I just don't know.
To be honest, I really haven't got to spend very much time with Chad, but he promises that today is be with mom time, so I'm going to go get dressed because he will be here soon. I'm going to enjoy my time with him. I'll take more pictures now that he's all cleaned up. Thank you all for your overwhelming support. Love to you all!


17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree Jolene, not old enough to buy a beer or rent a car but can carry a gun and be in war....very hypocritcal to me.

Let's hope he remains safe during the remainder of his time overseas.

Enjoy your day

Briana said...

Well now I'm crying! Enjoy this precious time with him while he's home.

Anonymous said...

That is just so wonderful (the surprise for Sandy). He looks so handsome. Enjoy every minute with him today. I know you will. Your blog helps me to keep him and all of our serviceman in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

Nicole *Ü* said...

Oh how sweet!! I remember being that young and in love. Crazy how different love is when you've been married over 10 years with kids. LOL I still love my hubby, don't get me wrong. It's just a different expression of the love, not that young love anymore! So fun of you guys to surprise Sandy at school. Crazy that the secretary knew exactly where she'd be, though! LOL Can't get away with that here! I love how you guys were surprised with him coming home too! So fun. I hope you have a wonderful time with him home!!!

(Oh, and don't be offended by my Idol post. I know you're a Jordin fan, but I'm a Blake fan!! LOL)

deedub said...

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I cannot even imagine the pain of letting go when a destination like that is involved.

Here's to the heros of our world..and to the mom's that miss them so much while they're away!

-Deanna

Andi said...

I know Sandy is so excited and happy to have her handsome fiance home!

Enjoy your "Mom time" with Chad and take lots more pictures to share.

Hugs to you!

amydc said...

I hope the rest of the time he's home, just drags on & goes sooooo slow! He, along with other soldiers fighting for our country, are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Oh yay!!! I can only imagine how happy Sandy was to see Chad. I hope you guys have a great 2 weeks together.

Jacquie said...

How sweet are those pictures! Sandy must have been so excited.

You are right war is scary, will the world ever come to be a peaceful place? I pray your son will be safe wherever he goes.

Enjoy your visit! I think you have raised some great boys! Your very fortunate.

Susie Q said...

How happy Sandy and Chad look! Too sweet...
I know that letting go will be so hard. Just try to enjoy every single moment he is home. I know what it is like from a wife's perspective but canly imagine i rom a Mom's. Hold tight and keep your faith. We are all praying for your boy to return safely. You all ave a wedding to plan!
I am sending you all hugs.
Love,
Sue

TK Angels said...

What great pics and I have tears in my eyes reading this. Not just for the happy reunion-but because you as a mother having to "ship" off her son to a war that I believe we should not be doing.

As for Chad-heh I totally agree that if you are old enough to fight this war then you are old enough to enjoy renting a car in your own name.

Take care,
Love,
Terri

Wendy said...

That is so ccol. I can't not even imagine how you must feel. But you are a strong woman.

Enjoy your time with him and make the most of every moment.

God Bless You and your Family

Jamie said...

I hope you enjoy your time with Chad today!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your time together!!!! :)

Tember

Carol Dunton said...

oh Jolene...

simply put...

thank you for sharing with us...

and God bless Chad....

VB

Chickenbells said...

OH...all this love in the air (even up here in the north country) isn't it divine? Have fun with the boy...I can't wait to hear about your escapades...

Colors of Me said...

That was so sweet to surprise her at school!!! Enjoy your time with Chad!!