Many of you are not familiar with BWI Airport.
I am.
Numerous times I saw my oldest son, B off for deployment at BWI.
Numerous times I welcomed my oldest son, when he returned from serving overseas.
Numerous times I met B when he came home for Christmas or when he came home to meet the newest member of our family.
I have taken my oldest son to BWI, when it is time for him to return to 'his' world.
I saw my youngest off at BWI, the first time he ever boarded an airplane.
I welcomed my baby girl from her honeymoon, at BWI.
I have shed infinite "Mom Tears" at this airport.
Countless times when I fly to visit my son, I depart from BWI.
I welcome soldiers home at BWI when I attend Operation Welcome Homeevents.
Today was a very different experience at BWI.
It was strange, almost bizarre.
Allow me to attempt to paint this picture for you with words. When we attend OWH, we assemble on the lower level, just outside the security/customs doorway. It is an open area, two stories high. There are elevators/stairs which take you to the second story, which has a railing with glass around the perimeter of the upper floor. (I hope I have not lost anyone yet). We line up close together outside this swinging door, waiting for soldiers to return home. We shake their hands, we cry, we make a lot of ruckus.
Today, as we look up to the second floor, we saw soldiers...lots of soldiers...ready to deploy. These soldiers stood up there. Looking down.
Where do you look?
Who do you thank?
What do you do?
May Almighty God Bless Each and Every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine.
May He protect those leaving and may he watch over those who have returned home.
17 comments:
A from the heart post. Strange how some things we take for granted have strong inner feelings sometimes.
Pops
pops...thank you for understanding!
mike...it is SO good to have you stop by!
AM,
Amen to that. I will put these soldiers on my prayer list. God will know who they are.
Blessings,
Mary
mary...how right you are, God knows and loves each soldier!
This gave me chills.
Hallie
hallie...thanks so much for stopping by and 'getting' my words!
Another beautiful post.
Kimmy
Wow...amazing!
kimmy...thank you for your kind words!
swg...excellent choice of words, it was amazing!
Dont' you know they were wishing they were incoming rather than outgoing. Many times, I've met my youngest coming and going from the sandbox, as well as one of his friends during R&R and a friend of mine who was on his way back over. Every time, I leave with tears in my eyes, yet with a full heart. I am so proud of all of them..... :)
kbug...I, too am proud of each and every member of our Armed Services.
I love traveling. I am most comfortable when I'm in transition. And while often, the Airport can be one of the most sad places, when it's time to meet friends or family at the arrivals gate, it can truly be one of the best places on earth.
HL..You are correct, nothing like seeing a familiar, friendly face when you return home! Recently, when I took my oldest son to the airport to say 'so long', I was crying (as usual) he asked if the day would ever come I did not cry when I saw him off...I asked him if he really wanted that day to come...I got a hug!
Where have I been? I missed a whole week of posts. This one got me. You are such a great human being. Thank You!
michelle...welcome back! your kind words are appreciated!
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