Our son is a Kentucky National Guard MP who has been in training for 3 months for deployment to Iraq. We had not seen him since Feb. 24 when we watched him leave for 2 months of extensive training at Fort Dix, NJ. When his unit finished their training, they were given a 4-day pass (April 20-23). Our son had opted to spend his pass visiting historic Philadelphia and maybe Ground Zero (or so he said), because he thought another "good-bye" before going to Iraq would be too difficult. He led us to believe all of that!
What happened on Sunday, April 20 was just wonderful!! With the help of his girlfriend, his sister, and his best friend, he surprised all of us at church that Sunday morning! He had planned this for a month while at Fort Dix.
We were gathered in the altar of that little country church in Kentucky waiting to have prayer when the door opened. There stood his best friend (a Ky. state policeman) in full uniform. I wondered, "Oh, there's Jonathan." Shortly, Jonathan stepped aside to reveal our son Brian (in uniform). I could not believe my eyes! He was supposed to be in Philly!......but I was so glad he was standing there. Everything stopped in that little church, except for the tears of joy that fell from everyone's cheeks. I ran to him and hugged him like I never wanted to let him go. After that, everyone in church lined up to say hello and give him a hug. What a wonderful day that was! God truly shined on us that day!
He is now back at Fort Dix awaiting deployment. We covet the prayers of the American people for them and for all the soldiers. God Bless America!!