First Contact

Ok, here is the final installment of homecoming. Lady Red and I woke up pretty early. I suppose because of the excitement level. We lounged around for a few hours and then got dressed and headed to the beach.

We walked out on the pier and as I looked out in the distance, I could see the ship! I could not believe it! I wondered all the way out there if I would be able to see the ship and I did. It was a very exciting moment to say the least.

We then had some breakfast and walked around a bit. Since it was early, there was not many shops open so we went back to the hotel. Since the homecoming time changed several times, I decided to see if we could get on the Camp. This was a stress point for me because Cpl Honda’s insurance cards where expired. He does have stickers on the car, so I hoped they would just wave me in.

We pulled up to the gate and we got right on. No problem, thank goodness. We drove to the homecoming site and got out to wait. I did not know if he was off the ship yet and when I asked I was told that one CO was at the armory.

Thinking back, we should have waited to go on the Camp, because it was several hours before Cpl Honda arrived. I have to thank Lady Red for her patience. I know it was hard sitting there basically doing nothing.

Anyway, the time finally came and I saw my son walking up. I was not sure if it was him at first since they all look alike. If you have ever been to a military base, you know what I am talking about. The only way I could tell was by the way he walked. As a side note, when he graduated from boot camp I recognized him from behind by looking at his ears! Everyone thought I was crazy, but it was him! I raised those ears and I should know them. One other side note, when my daughter, Cinderella came home on leave from basic training, she walked right up to me in the airport and I did not recognize her! She had cut her hair and was in uniform. All I can say is what left is not what came home.

Anyway, it was wonderful to see him and to watch the other reunions going on all around us. I put some more pics of homecoming day on the Shutterfly site so please feel free to check those out. I will not elaborate on the next day, let’s just say the military is right when they say, “Hurry up and wait.”

I also want to thank my family, friends and co-workers for all the support during the last seven months. Through all the tough times, I had to endure, your words and support helped me cope.

I have copies of Cpl Honda’s pics from deployment and will put them on the Shutterfly site. He has some great pics and some very funny videos. My personal favorite is him and another guy in fat sumo wrestler suits. Yea, even though the deployment was tough, it was obvious he did have some good times. So, check back for those. Also, excuse the frizzy hair. We were outside all day in humid and windy weather.

So that is it. Hopefully no more deployment for awhile. Yea, mom says no!!!!

Happy mommie, Cpl Honda and Lady Red