I can honestly say that MB-8’s homecoming last Saturday was likely the most packed one I’ve been to yet … The stands were completely packed with people, and there were dozens of people standing in front and on the side of the stands as well. It was a madhouse of nerves, anxiety, excitement … all the wonderful things associated with military homecomings!
I got to hang out with Calie and 17-month-old Owen, while they waited to pick up their hero, SPC Thomas Plummer, who was returning home from his yearlong tour in Afghanistan. It always hits so close to home for me when there are small kids involved with homecomings, because they grow and change SO much while our heroes are away (which always totally reminds me of my husband’s own tour to Afghanistan when he was in the Air Force a few years ago). Owen changed SO much over the last year; in fact, the last time Thomas saw Owen last December while he was home on R&R, Owen wasn’t even walking yet! I have to admit I got a little laugh watching Thomas about have a heart attack when Owen started walking up and climbing all over the stands and stairs – Calie had to keep telling him “it’s ok, he’s got this!”. It tugged a little on my heart string and made me just a bit more thankful for everything our military men and women give up in order to serve our country.
