Hi all

sorry I have been out of touch on here.. I know I have a lot of catching up to do- but things have been beyond hectic.. so bad I got behind in sending packages!!    but I hope I am back on track now.

Anyway, I can't believe it. One of "my" Marines is coming home on the 20th and he ASKED me to be there to welcome him home. His family can't be there so he would have no one.. I about died! It is only a 2 hr drive to Camp LeJeune and we have emailed each other so much that he IS like family. Got the "ok" from hubby (ha, like he could stop me.. we all know how that is!) and I am taking off of work to welcome him home.. Funny,we are working out the details on how to find each other- he had a funny answer - I will be the one wearing camaflouge  LOL  but we know what each other looks like but still it might be an interesting adventure.

 He said the nicest thing that I wanted to share because it just reinforces how much they need us (as much as we need them:)-- he said  (I won't quote) that he wanted to thank me for being such a big help during his deployment by keeping him sane with the conversations  and treating him with such respect.

I almost cried! He is just a kid too, to me.. so it gave me another "warm fuzzy" to let us all remember that indeed I guess sometimes it is our WORDS that make more of an impact. I am soooooooo excited

Lynn

 How exciting! That's so wonderful Have an amazing time!

Omg, Lynn, that is AWESOME!!!  Every large and small thing we do through AS is a reward to our hearts, but I can't help but see this as the Ultimate Payoff!!!  Talk about a million dollars worth of solid gold!  I'm so happy for you that you get to be there at the HAPPY moment when his feet walk on American Soil... what a blessing!!!  Can't wait to hear the details of how it goes!

Thanks and you know I will take pictures too!

I have been watching the local news a lot lately of the troops coming home to Ft. Bragg and Pope Air Force and I cry each time:) I remember my brother's welcome home ceremony and that was several years ago. I am just beyond honored that he asked me to be there to help celebrate this moment with him.

I want to bring him a gift, but I can't think of anything -- any ideas from anyone??

Lynn,

  You certainly deserve this special recognition after all you have done for your Marines!!  Have you heard any updates lately about how the metal detectors are helping them?  It is especially wonderful that you will be there for him when his family can't be. Enjoy every minute!!  

Not sure of a present but what if you made up a T-shirt for you to wear that said something that maybe you 2 shared in conversation? The iron on transfer sheets you print on the computer work ok for a few wears,,print on a white t shirt for best results. there are some places online that will do just a few for little $$.

Flowers.  White roses are also associated with honor and reverence.  As a symbol of remembrance, the white rose represents heavenliness and is an expression of spiritual love and respect...and they should have a yellow ribbon on them.  And then a little Teddy bear, either with a patch from your hometown or something iron on, something he can keep to remind him of you and your time together, and maybe tickets to do something he hasn't been able to do in a while, like go to the movies, or for an icecream at baskin robbins. (remembers that not everyone has as hard a time settling on one idea as she has.  <sigh>)

well thought the shirt is a great idea,we already agreed what I will wear so that he can find me more easily (that sound so funny when written down)

 But I like the roses idea.... I never thought of that for  a man, but with the yellow ribbons and teddy bear it just might work.  I am going to take him out for a bit after the ceremony and unfortunately I don't know that area well enough to know what exactly there is down there:(  but definitely a great start...... as long as men are ok with receiving that? He has become a very good friend, well, almost like family and I want his homecoming to be very special since his family can't be there.... I want to be the "surrogate" family...... I will try to contact a local florist to put that together... how many roses??!!!!

 As for the metal detectors, the Marine and I stay in touch form time to time since he came home, but he is busy naturally enjoying his family and he keeps saying he is coming to see us, but I don't expect him to. But, I do know he gave them to fellow "devil dogs" and they had my information, but I never expected to hear from them. I do know from the "original " Marine that the detectors did so much good and actually saved many lives, so I believe it "kept on giving"

Feel free to help with other ideas, but if nothing else.. again, how many roses??

How about adding an American flag to the teddy bear with the ribbons and maybe a giant box of unmelted chocolate?

As to the number of roses, try to think of a meaning for this.  For example if he is married with 2 kids, you could bring 3 roses, one each for his wife and children or one each for his parents and siblings...you get the idea.  I would try not bring too many it could be a bit overwhelming to have to cart around all this stuff.  Be sure to take a camera, even if is it a disposable one and get some photos for his family (and the two of you as well).  That way, his family can be there in spirit with you and share the moment.  It's really awesome that you can be there as a family stand in, as well as being a special friend.  One Marine Mom I know just welcomed her son and his group home.  She said that it broke her heart that there were some guys with no one there to meet them. 

Kathy

vtleogal Hello!

There are so many possiblities and it will depend on your time schedules. 

If you want, ask him if he would like to go get a bite to eat? 

Applebees has always worked as a last minute idea. There is one listed in the link below. Whatever you decide do call ahead and make sure they haven't moved or closed

Here is a local restaurant list in Jacksonville by the base with addresses and phone numbers:

http://www.jacksonvillenc.net/restaurants.html

Most of all give him a big hug for all of us.

Blessings, door  

Thanks everyone!

Yep, I have already covered the going out after the ceremony,.. time for him to have some real food and a "man's drink" lol

I appreciate the input! And, regarding those who have no one to come home to, that is EXACTLY why I am going. He "subtly" asked me.. meaning, he said " I would like to actually meet you after I come home.. then he mentioned like two days after the date) and said no one will be there waiting for me, so I will have time..

Well, that is ALL it took and he was very happy that I advised I would be there. NO ONE should EVER come home alone.. that breaks my heart to think of that, but we know it happens. Unfortunately, this is a "kid"  -- well a kid to me  lol-- ok a young man. He is 25, single and his family I believe is from Jersey if I recall (sometimes I get a lot of details mixed up with the number of people I support)..but I do know some of his interests, so you al lhave come through once again! 

take care.. I am so exicted and you bet I will give a hug for all fellow junkies!!

Lynn

Lynn.....I've been a little slow in reading all the posts here since my return.....but yours certainly is one of the exciting ones!!!!    Congrats to you on being able to be there to greet your soldier in his families abscence.    You must be over the edge EXCITED!!!!    It's like how I sometimes feel when my daughter and I go to the graduations here at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot.   So many don't have family members here to tell them congratulations on graduating from boot camp.  

Have a wonderful visit with him and yes, we will all be waiting anxiously to hear about it.    Oh....HOW   WONDERFUL!!!!

Blessings to you for all you do........

Love and peace.........Anne Marie

Lynn, so excited for you! Thanks for giving hugs for all of us.

Re: bringing him a gift, I concur with whoever said to make it something small. Flowers are always a great gift for anyone, but I'm thinking the less stuff for him to manage the better. Just my personal thoughts on the matter...

I'd love to see pictures of the event, and can't wait to hear how it goes! Good luck!

I am so happy for you Lynn.  Have a great time and keep us posted.