I love homecomings.

I love the excitement and anxiousness of crowd as you arrive.

I love looking at the banners and flags welcoming the soldiers home.

I love hanging out with my families prior to their homecoming.

I love seeing the kids smiles & laughter.

I love seeing the spouses hugging their children tightly.

I love the look a soldier’s spouse gets when she sees his unit walking towards us.

I love how curious the children look.

I love when the crowds jumps up together screaming.

I love the looks on my families faces when they spot their soldier.

I love feeling the sense of unity amongst the crowd as the national anthem is sung.

I love seeing little hands, big hands, young hands, old hands– all over the heart.

I love the sense of pride- as a family looks at their soldier stand with his men.

I love the anticipation for a single word from the commander.

I love watching as the mom or grandparents struggle to hold the children back.

I love hearing “CHARGE!”

I love seeing the crowd run past me to reunite with their loved ones.

I love seeing children run ahead when they recognize their dad.

I love seeing families back together again.

Most of all, I love the reminder that freedom is not free.

and I love the opportunity to capture this part of a family’s story.

Thank you for your service- and welcome home!