Memorial Day

       As I mentioned before, my husband is a US Marine, and my dad is a retired US Marine. Needless to say Memorial day hits home every year. Every year we hear of more young men and women dying in war and conflict. I admit, I cry every time I see "Welcome Home" or 'I can't wait to meet my daddy!" signs.

 As a little girl, I remember when dad was gone for long periods of time. I still have a letter my dad wrote to me from Okinawa. I remember we went to a sign making party and my brothers and I each made a sign for my dad.  It was sunny, slightly windy and we painted them on foam boards. Another time, close to Christmas, my mom dropped all three of us off at a family friend's house while she got my dad. We had no idea until she picked us up, we went home and there he was, sitting on the couch!

As a woman, I remember my husband leaving for Iraq, hearing stories of fallen Marines and going into a panic every time they went into "river city" (the level of security that happens when there is a casualty, outside communication is banned until family members are notified). I remember I actually cried after an unexpected knock on the door turned out to be a salesman. They lost over 20 men in his unit that tour. They were there for 8 months. Not a year later, Ryan left for Afghanistan. That one was worse and better all at the same time. Better because I was working nights and going to school during the day. It was worse because they were in "river city" more often. Again, they lost over 20 men.
    As an amateur photographer, I did quite a few homecoming photo shoots. I posted a few so you can have a glimpse into what its like to see your loved one for the first time in months.

 A wounded warrior was there to welcome his brothers home. He lost both his legs.

 This permanent memorial is set up outside the 3/1 Battalion building.

 3/1 had a very hard deployment recently. Many, many men were lost. I did 2 photo shoots for returning 3/1 Marines.

 That white bus can be the most beautiful thing you ever see.

 This Marine is holding his daughter for the first time.

 He was crying.

Remember those who have fallen, and those who still carry on

My heart breaks for all the men, women, and children who never get to see their loved ones step off that bus and run into their arms.