Not only was I emotional the night of this homecoming, I’m a little emotional now as I sit down to write. This homecoming as a lot of meaning for me (not that all homecomings aren’t special to me),  but it was for one of my best friends, Emily. I’ve seen her through this whole deployment. Many of you have probably met her because she’s almost always with me assisting.  I was with her the moment he left (in fact, I photographed the goodbye from afar, see below), and so it was an honor to be there for when he returned. We shared many girls nights, a road trip to Florida, lots of wine, Chili’s chips & salsa, laughs, tears, and frustrations.

This was the most frustrating homecoming I think I’ve ever shot before! Because of difficult weather while they were traveling, the homecoming was slowly pushed back, over, and over, and over, over a period of about 4 days. Normally they can be pushed a few hours forward or back but never like this. Of course the Texas weather was perfect for my Saturday homecoming (70 degrees and sunny!)—but it just couldn’t stick with it. Monday evening rolled around and the temperature dropped…and dropped…and dropped lower.

Finally we had a set time. 1 am Tuesday. 30 degrees. Wind chill in the negatives. Wonderful.

Emily set out to dress in her cutest pea coat, jeans and boots.

I grabbed my trusty coat, long johns, and hand warmers.

On that day, more than 250 days ago, that jar was full. What an incredible relief to be able to eat the last one! We were able to watch Rick’s flight coming in— loved seeing Em’s face when we saw that he had landed safely!

We debated for a long time just sitting in our car and waiting until we saw the buses. Excitement got the best of us.

It. Was. Cold.

After waiting for what I’m sure seemed like hours to Emily, they announced that the buses were on their way.

Cue: Eye contact. Cue: Balling. (Me)

This was it. There he was. Only a field away (which can feel incredible far away in those moments).

She was smiling, me, still crying big, ugly tears.

There were SO many buses. The crowd was starting to grow impatient! Finally we were able to scream those words we’d been waiting to hear.

“Move! Those! BUSES!”

And there they walked. Out from behind those buses. To the people in this crowd, this was the most beautiful sight in the whole world.

The last moments seemed to go in slow motion. A prayer was said. It felt like the temperature was dropping by the second.

We ran forward to find him and we couldn’t. Now for a military wife that hasn’t seen her husband for 9 months and can’t find him in the crowd- these moments are excruciating.

Finally we found him! He actually snuck up on us! Em’s back was turned. I’m pretty sure I screamed something related to spotting her husband.

Pure. Unadulterated. Wonderful. Happiness.

I watch homecomings all the time, but I especially loved being able to watch my best friend’s world come crashing back together. Like they were never apart.

It was absolutely freezing, Rick had been traveling for 5 days straight, and it was 1 am. So we didn’t stay long for pictures. (Plus I could not feel the fingers on my shooting hand). But all that mattered was that he was here, and they were going home together.

Welcome Home Rick! I am ecstatic for you both.