My husband is on his way home! 

He finally got his intinerary this morning (his time) and emailed it to me.  I had been too tense to sleep; I was expecting to hear from him so I was up and down all night checking email looking for his message telling me what time his flight would arrive tomorrow.

I finally got an email from him at 5am my time with the details of his journey in it.  The Shirt over there was as good as his word; D will be home the day he requested.  I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am to hear that....but, as any seasoned military spouse will tell you, you never expect your man home until you see him walking up the concourse towards you.  I'll even go one better than that:  I won't believe he's really coming home until I feel his moustache prickle my lip as he kisses me. 

After I got the email and read through it I went back to bed, and I finally slept for the first time in days.  I haven't managed to get any decent sleep for almost a week; all I've managed is a light doze. 

Our friend Gunny is taking me to the airport tomorrow.  I've never been to Lambert International before, I have no idea where it is or how to get there, and D's bringing 4 'A' bags AND a suitcase home with him.  We had a hard time fitting it all in the car when he left, so Gunny volunteered himself and his Jeep.  The kids are staying home this time; there's no room for them, me, Gunny, D AND his bags so they said they'd stay home and decorate the carport with balloons and a 'welcome home' banner.  D's not big on overt displays like that, but...this is the kids' way of feeling like they're doing something nice for their dad. 

My husband is coming home.   Tomorrow night I'll be able to fall asleep with the rhythmic beat of his heart in my ear, singing me a lullaby.  I'll wake up Monday morning, reach out across the bed and instead of cold sheet and emptiness my hand will find my warm husband.    I'll have his hand to hold, his voice to hear, his face to kiss.

I can't think of anything I'd rather do, of anyplace I'd rather be. 

He's coming home, to the place where he's loved more than anything in the whole world.

He's coming home, where he belongs.