I’m back home with the ones I love and the world is right again.
The trip back was a little painful, but was so worth it. Beginning to end, I spent 34 hours traveling. It was all fine and good until our flight from Atlanta to New Bern (the “easiest” leg of the trip) was turned around at the end of the runway due to fog at the destination. You can imagine how frustrated we all were. We got off the plane and waited around to hear if the flight would be canceled and we would have to spend the night, or if the pilots would try again. Good news came about an hour later at 10pm. Everyone boarded again and then waited for another hour while they defueled the aircraft. I think the flight attendant was getting nervous that the 15 Marines aboard were going to take the plane for ourselves.
My biggest concern was with my poor family waiting patiently at home for me. It was a stretch to keep Faye up for my scheduled time of 10pm. Now she would surely be asleep when I got there after midnight. I had this image of my homecoming from my first month on deployment. No matter what the case, each iteration had Faye running across the airport and giving me a giant hug. Waking her up the next morning would be anti-climactic and probably confusing for Faye. Not to mention that Faye had been talking to everyone all day about how excited she was to pick up Daddy from the airport.
My worries were all for naught, because the airport announcing my flight arrival was just enough to wake her up in time to shake off her grogginess and greet me like I had dreamed about. Faye and Shannon had worked on a special sign to welcome me home and Faye was extra excited to show it to me. She ran at full blast right past the security gate with a giant smile on her face and gave me the best hug ever. She didn’t want to let go either, which was fine with me because I didn’t want to let go either. It was the best gift a father could receive.
Shannon waited patiently as Faye and I had our moment and then we did some family hugs and kisses. Her belly was a lot bigger than it was when I had left, since she only has a little over a week until she’s due. It was so great to be back with my girls. I missed a lot of things over my deployment, but nothing even close to how much I missed my wife and daughter. God bless the Army guys who do 12-18 month deployments. I had a heck of a time being away from my loved ones for 6 months. The Marine Corps certainly has its issues, but one thing they do right is reasonable deployment lengths.
Thanks to everyone who supported me while I was away, whether it was through care packages, letters, emails, pictures, or prayers. I’ve always had a high opinion of my wife, but she has taken this “loving and supporting” stuff to a hoe’ nuvah’ leval. I don’t think the average Joe really understands what a military spouse does for this country. Shannon has been a rock through all of this and has run our household (pregnant and all) better than I ever could. If I could write her up for a medal, I would. Through all her work back home, she still managed to keep me happy and healthy halfway across the globe. She’s a super-woman. Period.
I could go on and on about how sweet, smart, and charming Faye is these days. She has grown from a toddler into a little girl while I was gone and I’m just soaking it all up. I don’t know what I did to deserve such an amazing kid, but I’m grateful to God for such a blessing. It makes coming home all the more sweet.
Welcome home Jason! I am so happy that you, Faye and Shannon are reunited at last. And I agree, Shannon IS a super-woman!
Welcome home Jason. What a beautiful picture of the three of you.
Shirley
Welcome Home Jason. G..d Bless you and all of the men and woman serving our country. Enjoy that beautiful family ! They sure have missed you.
welcome home Jason,
the three of you look beautiful together
wishing you and Shannon all the best in the arrival of the new one
Welcome home Jason! Semper Fi!
I can’t stop crying with tears of happiness! Allen and I can’t wait to see you at the bris!
Welcome Home!!! I know you’re thrilled to be back w/your girls. We’ve been praying for you & are glad that you’re home safely. We’re praying for the whole family & can’t wait to hear the news when the new baby arrives! Love & Hugs from TN!
Welcome home Jason! I can imagine how icky the last flight was. Traveling for 34 hours is never fun. It usually causes me to burst into tears of relief as soon as the kids and I arrive at our destination. Arron ended up delayed from his flight to Tokyo to Okinawa when he came back. It was so horrid! After all those months having to wait a few more hours seemed like forever. Faye looks so happy to see her Dad and I bet she is enjoying every minute of having you back.
Brook
Welcome home Jason. We have missed you. Love the picture of all of you at the airport. Hope to see you soon.
Jason,
So happy to see your homecoming was soooo sweet! I was crying as I read your post and saw your photos. Welcome home!
Larissa, Dave and Jake
HAPPY DANCE……….
Welcome home. Shannon and Faye have done a FANTASTIC job, but the photos certainly can’t hide their joy at having you back! Words also cannot express our gratitude to all of you for your service our country. Enjoy your well-deserved rest!
I’m so glad you’re back. I had a difficult time reading your message through the ‘happiness’ tears. Also, I share your feelings about Shannan. She’s a true blessing. You came home to a wonderful wife and daughter. I love you!
Grandma Louise
Welcome Home Jason! You even had me choked up reading the blog. I am so happy you guys are all back together. Can’t wait to meet my new nephew. Talk to you guys soon.
Ryan
WELCOME HOME!
It was such a treat to have you and Shannon at our daughter’s Bat Mitzvah on January 9th. After all the tutoring from Shannon, we had hoped ya’ll would be able to share in the evening. We are so glad you are home with your family. Thank you for your service to our country. May G..d bless you and keep you all safe as you await the arrival of your baby.
Larry , Adrienne,
Caroline, Thomas, Grahm and Grace
Welcome home! It is so great to see smiles and to hear of Faye running to get her daddy – I know Megan is chomping at the bit to do the very same… Luckily we have moved past the 1/2 way point and we’ll have Adam home soon.
All the best to the Rubin family! ~ Erica & Megan
ps be in touch and let us know when you’ll be in town, love to see you all.