Pssssst!!! I think it is safe to let you all know

[AwakeAtLast]

My husband is on his way home!!! Right now!!! He will be here by the end of the week if all goes well!!!

:bounce: :woohoo: :patriot: :bounce: :woohoo: :patriot: :bounce:

:party: :toast: :kick: :party: :toast: :kick: :party:


I am so happy right now I literally can't stop giggling!

The best part? The date they probably will be released to families falls on our anniversary!!!

:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)


I'm just a little excited ;)

Thanks for being there for me, DU, and can someone please help me come up with a new sig line? It will give me great pleasure when I remove this one! :hi:

[notadmblnd]

1. I'm glad the worrying is over for you.

Crongrats!

[AwakeAtLast]

8. Thank you!

Yes, the worry will stop for him when his plane lands stateside.

:hi:

[eleny]

2. I hope this week goes by fast!

[AwakeAtLast]

4. I have a feeling it will, there is so much to do!

AAACCCKKK!!! But it's a good AAACCCKKK!!! ;)

Thanks! :hi:

[pooja]

3. Congrats!!!!!!

And Happy Anniversary

[AwakeAtLast]

5. Thanks!

:hi:

[Richard Steele]

6. Congratulations! You have every reason to be happy!

Sorry, I have no ideas for a new sigline.

[AwakeAtLast]

9. Thank you!

And that's O.K. about the sigline, I will come up with something!

:hi:

[NMDemDist2]

7. superb news! that's wonderful and timing is perfect! n/t

[AwakeAtLast]

10. I'm planning our celebration as we type!

Can't wait!

:hi:

[Greeby]

11. I'll just say it with similies

:pals: :hug: :party: :toast: :bounce:

[AwakeAtLast]

24. Thanks!

Sometimes a smilie says it all!

:hi:

[MuseRider]

12. I am very happy

for the two of you. I am so glad he is coming home safe. :hi: :hug:

[AwakeAtLast]

25. Thank you!

My daughter has caught the giggling bug, too. Don't know how I'm going to keep her occupied all week :)

:hi:

[w8liftinglady]

13. Hurray!My boy came home about a week ago...Let's keep the others

in our thoughts...
how about for your sig line "May God Keep THEM Safe until They come Home?"

[AwakeAtLast]

16. Ooh, good one!

Thanks, and happy for you and your son, too! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

:hi:

[ebayfool]

78. Here's another vote for 'them' ... I think you're gonna have to go to

rotating sigs! Too many good ones that fit you & your DH coming home - you're gonna have to alternate them regularly, like clothing!

And here's another congratulations for your mans' homecoming - pass on another hug from me after you get caught up on your own huggins' (well, that could be a loooong time doing - just slip it in somewhere! LOL!)

[AwakeAtLast]

81. Will do, thanks!

:hi:

[wryter2000]

34. I'm very happy for you, too

:bounce:

[uppityperson]

67. congratulations on your son getting home too.

[ebayfool]

70. w8liftingson is home?

I missed that good news - I'm so happy for you! Is he doing well? Pfffft - that's a dumb question! Does he know how many DUers have kept his coming home safe in their hearts? Give him just one more little hug & welcome home from me, okay?

[BrklynLiberal]

83. So happy for you and your son!!!!!

[spuddonna]

106. I'm so glad to hear your son made it home safe!

I can't imagine the worry that you felt... and the relief now that he is back home! :)

[Minnesota Libra]

14. OMG, I am SO VERY VERY HAPPY for you right now. That is going to be......

....a homecoming worthy of pictures. PLEASE??!!

The most appropriate sig line would be: He's home and safe in my arms!!

This is wonderful news!! :toast: :patriot: :toast: :patriot:

[AwakeAtLast]

18. Ooh, that's good, too!

I am not sure about the pics, hubby is pretty camera shy, but we shall see!

:hi:

[poverlay]

15. That is such happy news. Congratulations! n/t

[AwakeAtLast]

55. Thanks!

:hi:

[merh]

17. YAY!!!

I am so happy for you both! :grouphug:

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

:patriot:

[AwakeAtLast]

27. Thank you!

:hi:

[ProSense]

19. Great news!

I'm really happy for you both! I remember your posts a few weeks ago -- optimism and positive thoughts pay off!

Cheers!

[AwakeAtLast]

30. Yes, and no more trips to the hardware store!

I think that is the post to which you are referring.

And no more IMs, care packages, phone chin, etc. :)

[wildflower]

85. Congratulations! And honestly, I think your post right there would make...

the most powerful sig line: "No more trips to the hardware store. No more IMs, care packages, phone chin, etc...." And anything else that reminds people what life is like not only for the troops but for those who are at home waiting for them.

(I forget how long sigs allowed to be.)

wildflower

[AwakeAtLast]

98. Thanks!

You have a good point there! :hi:

[MnFats]

20. whoo-hoo! that is so cool...

....working on the sig line.....stumped so far.

[AwakeAtLast]

32. Thanks!

I appreciate it!

:hi:

[ebayfool]

68. Maybe 'keep them' instead of 'keep him'?

So many possibilities, I imagine the hard part is winnowing it down to one!

[alfredo]

21. Great news!!

[AwakeAtLast]

33. Thanks!

:hi:

[alfredo]

56. How much more time is left in his contract?

[AwakeAtLast]

60. Three years, I think. n/t

[alfredo]

89. We just need to fight to keep him and all others safe from

bush's insane agenda.

[AwakeAtLast]

90. This is why I love DU!

Agreed!

[alfredo]

93. yeah, it has helped me keep my spirit us.

[undeterred]

22. Much happiness to you!

[AwakeAtLast]

82. Thanks so much!

:hi:

[Olney Blue]

23. It's to the greatest page for you! K and R.

This is the happiest news I've seen on DU in a long time.

Will he continue in the military, or retire?

[AwakeAtLast]

26. Thanks!

Great question! He is in the middle of a 6 year enlistment w/ the NG. He wanted to make it a career until this whole 18 month deployment. He has expressed to me that he probably will not reenlist. He would have a long time to go in order to retire. Out of about 150 in his unit only a handful have signed up again. Extrapolate that across the military and......???? I have posted about it a few times. Our military cannot continue being strained the way it is.

[Olney Blue]

35. They deserve a better commander in chief.

I hope he assimilates back into life here in a healthy and happy way.
I'm so happy for you both!
:patriot:

[AwakeAtLast]

42. I couldn't agree more about the CIC.

And actually, my husband, too :)

[lyonn]

54. Oh Yeah!!! Homecoming

But, he had an 18 month deployment? This is all so insane. Tell your fellow that there is a whole bunch of people out there that hate the war & so respect the military men!

[AwakeAtLast]

57. I will

And the 18 month deployment thing is to squeeze every little bit they can out of the National Guard. Technically NG can only serve 2 years out of an enlistment period (at least in my state), so they go for as much as possible.

[lyonn]

66. Damn, "squeeze every little bit they can

out of the NG." Basically most people thought the Guard was for protection of our country and only over seas when critical. Wrong again. They make their own rules.

Again, Yeah!!!! Oh, and I like the person's answer to your post for new sig. and it was something like bring "them" home safe. Won't happen for a long time I'm afraid at least for some.

[AwakeAtLast]

75. I think that is what the NG should be

And I think most people would agree with me. Just how protected are we from "terra" if all of our protectors are elsewhere? :shrug: I never understood that. <sigh>

[PuraVidaDreamin]

28. excellent news

hug him real tight!

[AwakeAtLast]

41. I plan to!

We have already planned it out. 4 y/o daughter gets the first hug, but I get the longest hug :)

edit: left out word, duh!

[wryter2000]

29. Yahooooo

Give him a big :grouphug: for us!

[AwakeAtLast]

44. Will do!

He has heard me talking about DU for a long time, but has only recently started reading it. I don't think he will see this thread (well, in my journal he will) because he doesn't have interenet access while traveling.

[Minnesota_Lib]

31. I am absolutely thrilled for you and your brave hubby...

:party: :toast: :party:

[AwakeAtLast]

45. Thank you!

:hi:

[proud patriot]

36. Thank Goodness

:woohoo:

[AwakeAtLast]

46. Thanks!

:hi:

[HeeBGBz]

37. I'm so happy for you!

I wish him a speedy return to you.

[AwakeAtLast]

47. Well, he said today they have them on the fast track

Which is so good to hear. If he is home by the end of the week, he will be home three weeks early! I never thought the Army would do anything early, but I am so glad they are this time :D

:hi:

[Stinky The Clown]

38. Tears of joy

They're universal. They happen for many reasons. They're life's gift. We'll all be celebrating with you.

[AwakeAtLast]

49. Your post reminded me of something I watched last week

It was a documentary about Lima Co. from Ohio. It was the group that lost so many soldiers. I knew I shouldn't have watched it, but I couldn't tear myself away from it. Long story short, at the end they showed the soldiers returning to their hometown. When that chartered bus came on the screen, I lost it! I was not prepared for the way I would feel just seeing it on T.V. I now have a fairly good idea of how I will feel when it is finally real.

Lovely reply, thank you! :hi:

[in_cog_ni_to]

39. That is WONDERFUL NEWS! and CONGRATULATIONS on your Anniversary!

I'm so happy for you and your husband!:woohoo:

[AwakeAtLast]

50. Glad to share it, and thank you!

:hi:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

40. I'm so glad!

Let us know when the happy day arrives. And let us know if there is anything we can do to help him with the transition back to peacetime in the US.

[AwakeAtLast]

52. I sure will!

It will probably be a post letting you all know that I won't be around for awhile :blush: :D

We are planning on using the most of the summer. I teach school, and school is out (yippee!!!), so we are taking a much needed vacation!

:hi:

[Frustratedlady]

43. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!

How about..."I've untied the yellow ribbons, as my hubby's finally home!"

Good luck to both of you in the future.

[AwakeAtLast]

53. See, this is why I ask DUers, so many good ideas

Thanks!

:hi:

[babylonsister]

48. It's so lovely to read some good news for a change! Thank you,

WakeMeUp, I'm so happy for you, and enjoy your reunion! :hug: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[AwakeAtLast]

58. Thanks so much!

:hug: backatcha! :hi:

[yellerpup]

51. Congratulations!

I'm so happy for you both. Peace. :bounce:

[AwakeAtLast]

61. Thanks.

And that one word says it all ---> Peace.

:hi:

[Pierzin]

59. Thank God for that!

[AwakeAtLast]

62. Amen!

:hi:

[upi402]

63. Double hapiness

to you guys!
:patriot: :patriot:

[AwakeAtLast]

64. Double thanks!

:hi:

[uppityperson]

65. Congratulations! I hope he is good and you are too!

[AwakeAtLast]

73. Thanks!

:hi:

[peacebaby3]

69. I remember when my husband came home! I know you are so excited!

I tied yellow ribbons on the entire path home and my neighbors had put up a great sign by the time we got there.

Just a little word of advice... when my hubby came home he really didn't want to see lots of people so we kept it to a minimum the first couple of weeks and then invited people over to visit. Back then in '03-'04, he had lived in a tent in the middle of the desert and hadn't had a refrigerator, air-conditioning, or heard a toilet flush in over a year so he just wanted some time with his family in the comfort of his home.

Congratulations to you! I know you are so happy! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :7

[AwakeAtLast]

71. Good advice, thanks!

Luckily, my husband had it a little better, but not much. He was on a base in a barracks type living space and had his own small appliances.

I know my husband well enough that I haven't planned anything too over-the-top. The only thing he wants after being released is a big steak dinner! My parents and I will be taking him to any restaurant he wants to go to, that's for sure! After that we are just going to keep thing low-key for a little while, then do some traveling to visit family.

Thanks so much! :hi:

[MissWaverly]

72. Congrats!

May you have great joy and peace after all your troubles.

Happy days are here again,
the skys are bright and clear again
Let's sing a song of cheer again
happy days are here again!

Grey skies all of them gone
nothing but blue skys from now on!

[AwakeAtLast]

76. Good song, thanks!

:hi:

[salin]

74. WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO

So very, very glad to hear the news! :hi: :D

[AwakeAtLast]

77. Thanks salin!

I will link an article in the IN forum as soon as it is available!

:hi:

[MODemocrat]

79. Congratulations; this just gives me goosebumps

I'm just thrilled for you and your husband and families. What a great anniversary gift!
This has to be one of the happiest days of your lives.
:thumbsup: :patriot: :grouphug:

[AwakeAtLast]

80. Oh yes, let's see...

Day I married him, birth of daughter, day he comes home - yep, you got it! :D

:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

84. Fantastic news! Best anniversary ever.

:party: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[AwakeAtLast]

86. Yup! You said it!

:hi:

[DeepModem Mom]

87. Wonderful news!!!

[AwakeAtLast]

91. Thanks!

:hi:

[Nickster]

88. Congrats! Happy Anniversary!!!! n/t

[AwakeAtLast]

92. Thanks! n/t

[deadparrot]

94. Congratulations, WMU!

:bounce:

I'm so, so happy for you. Thanks for sharing!

:toast:

[AwakeAtLast]

95. You're welcome, and thanks!

:hi:

[Jazz2006]

96. Terrific news! Congrats and happiest anniversary ever!

:toast:

[AwakeAtLast]

97. Thank you!

:hi:

[AnnieBW]

99. WOOHOO!!!

Congrats! I guess we won't be hearing from you for a while. :evilgrin:

[AwakeAtLast]

101. That is a safe guess, LOL!

:blush:

:hide:

[fooj]

100. Right on!!!!!

:woohoo:

[AwakeAtLast]

102. I'll do the happy dance w/ you!

:woohoo:

[stanwyck]

103. Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful.

great news for us all. Thanks for sharing.

[AwakeAtLast]

104. You're welcome!

:hi:

[spuddonna]

105. Yaayyy!!! That's fantastic news!!

I'm soo happy for you! I hope the week goes by in a flash!!

:woohoo:

[AwakeAtLast]

107. Thank you!

With school being out (I am a teacher), it should. I have a lot to do to get ready, and my parents are driving up on Friday, so that will get the ball rolling :)

Luckily I have already picked out what I'm wearing :D

:hi:

[roguevalley]

108. How about MLK's remarkable remarks: Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!

Many hugs to you and yours, honey.

[AwakeAtLast]

112. Thanks so much!

And I am sure that is how he feels right now!

:hi:

[DemExpat]

109. This is wonderful news!

Have a super reunion.

:toast: :toast: :toast:

:party:

:hi:

DemEx

[AwakeAtLast]

113. Thanks!

:hi:

[AuntiBush]

110. Congratulations!

Who can blame you for being so excited. Who wouldn't be!?!

Congrats :hi:

[AwakeAtLast]

114. Thanks so much!

:hi:

[Kurovski]

111. Hooray! And recommended!

bring them all home. :bounce:

[AwakeAtLast]

115. Thank you!

And I agree! :bounce:

[bigwillq]

116. That is awesome news!

I am very happy for the both of you.
Wishing him a safe trip home.

:bounce: :toast: :hi: :hug:

[bonito]

117. Kick!!!

[sonias]

118. Congratulations WakeMeUp

May the two of you start enjoying a normal life. Thank him for his service and God speed to your hubby.
:toast:

Sonia

[flyarm]

119. wonderful news!!! so happy for you and your hubby!! woo hoo ..new sig.....

heshomesafely

soooooooooo happy for you ..and so glad your hubby is coming home healthy!! and safe!!

and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!O8) O8) O8) :party: :party: :party: :party: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

FLY

[barbtries]

120. i'm very happy

for you and your family

[area51]

121. That's wonderful!

:party:

[sofa king]

122. Congratulations!

Homecoming

While he was lost, it was an ordinary wood.
It only became enchanted once he had
Found his way out, reached home, showered, and put
Logs on the fire, food on the stove, laid mats
On the table, uncorked the wine ...Candles
And firelight ...till stories appear to grow
Like plants through paving-stones or cracks in walls.
Then, thinking of the day's walk, some sorrow
Out of his past, mixed with today's panic,
Paints monsters for him in the fire's flame caves...
Glad that his sense of ghostly mystery
Has not entirely atrophied, he'll pick
The day's terrors like herbs with which to chafe
The tired limbs of his midnight lethargy.

--http://www.poetrykit.org/mag00/poems.htm">Leo Aylen

[Bluethru_and_thru]

123. Cool, glad to hear it

Hi, I'm new to this forum. But glad to hear he's coming home. Im still trying to figure this whole "forum posting" thing out, so please bear with me. I'm not stupid, just a little slow! HA HA HA... Anyway, talk to ya latter.

[calmblueocean]

124. Welcome to DU!

I'm sure you'll like it here. :)

[AwakeAtLast]

125. I feel honored you chose this thread as your first post!

:hi:

Welcome to DU!

No worries, you'll soon get the hang of it and become as addicted as the rest of us! :)

[Mad_Dem_X]

126. Wonderful news!!!! n/t

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

127. AWESOME!!!!

[myrna minx]

128. Yay! Welcome him home for us!

:patriot:

[Pacifist Patriot]

129. Fantastic!!!!

[calimary]

130. Thank God there's good news for some of us!

Especially for someone like you, who also serve by waiting and counting the minutes and praying and chewing your cuticles and letting your stomach lining get eaten up by acid while you watch the news and pray that the casualties you see in coverage of Iraq don't include your own beloved.

THANK GOD!

YAY!!!!

I needed some good news today, even if it's not for me personally!

I hope you can KEEP him home! They ought to leave him the hell alone now! Hasn't he given a full measure already???

SO glad to hear this!

I celebrate with you - it's about time we hear a happy ending.

Cheers! Hug him tight!

:toast:

:toast:

:toast:

[juajen]

131. I'm so glad, glad, glad, glad, glad!!!!!!

Party on. Please tell him I said thanks for going through Hell for all of us, and ask him to help us prevent unnecessary call-ups in the future. When he's rested and secure in his life again, we would love to hear his story.

Bless you and yours.