The first groups of soldiers have begun to return home from our deployment. As pictures pop up on Facebook of the reunions, it is like seeing the signs of spring in our yard. It gives us hope and reminds us that every flight, every reunion, is one flight closer to my soldier coming home.

I love seeing pictures of the families, signs and soldiers, but my all-time favorite picture popped up the other day.

A very sweet friend's soldier was due home on Valentine's Day. As the soldiers marched into the reunion area, another friend was snapping pictures and captured a shot of him pointing, his arm fully extended, at his family. For any of you who have been though this reunion ritual, finding each other in the crowd is half the battle.

The picture was so poignant that the image just stuck with me.

The next day, I was on the dreaded treadmill, running with my music blasting in my ear. Where You Are began to play, and I tell you, sweet friends, I almost began to cry. I kept seeing the image of my friend's soldier pointing to his chosen.

Well everybody hurts

That's where we're all the same

We drive on through the worst

And push on through the pain

I'm standing at your door

It's been a million miles

I'll be the first to say

I can't take anymore

And that I want to be where you are

I feel the same as I did from the start

Whoa, I want to be where you are

And I'm willing to get there

There won't be any hearts breaking again

This is the part where I stay where I stand

Oh, I want to be where you are

Tell me you're with me so far

It has been a difficult year with many ups, downs and even maybe some sideways. But the one thing that you need to remember, sweet friends, is that they will all come home: whether it is on the first flight, the last flight or any in between. Don't forget to be excited for your sisters in arms. I know that is not always easy when you have spent the year waist deep in the fray of life, but get excited!

Every flight that arrives is one flight closer to my sweet soldier coming home!

Strength, Courage and Patience ... He's almost home... sby