Friday, March 25, 2011

"THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!"

This is the young man that left on a two year mission to the West Indies.



This is the young man that was returned to me.

He came walking down the hall and I looked at my husband and said "Is that our David?" He was walking so tall and self confident, he was smilling but is that my son?



He must be my son because he called me mom....hugged me so tight he lifted me off the ground (yes....me, can you imagine....one strong son). I just kept staring at him because he sounds like my son but he certainly doesn't look like the young man that left.





He lost around 50 pounds and 50 pounds I felt he did not need to lose...(that is my opinion). Maybe I should go to the West Indies for 2 years come back a new me.



He was starving, he had not eaten all day...stood in a line for 3 hours trying to get on the flight from Miami to Virginia...just didn't have time to eat.

We got home last night at 12:30...in bed by 1:00 a.m.

First on the agenda, glasses, he broke the glasses we sent him with and he is wearing glasses from high school, so glad he took a back up.

Then Joann's oh yes....I am torturing this young man that claims is my son. We will see if he fesses up and tells me what they did with the young man I sent. Oh don't get me wrong, this young man is awesome, more confident, talks more, carries himself with ease...oh yes.....truly awesome...but when I look at him I want to go....David...are you in there....

I have had 2 other sons serve missions but this is the first time I have seen such a drastic change in appearnce and manners. Left a boy, returned a man.
.
.
.
But...."David...David...this is mom, are you in there?"
.
.
Good to have him home...can't wait for him to wake up. He asked me to wake him up but there is no way, he is going to rest...and then we will go and play....(spend his dad's money....HA!!)


at

66 comments:

  1. Joanne LendaroMarch 25, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    So glad he is home with you!! I don't have to tell you to enjoy your time with him as I know you will. Hug him all you can...

    Fabulous post...I'm sitting here in tears for your happiness...

    ReplyDelete
  2. onlymehereMarch 25, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    I don't know if you saw my post about it but I didn't recognize Travis when he came home for surgery! He'd only been gone a year but my, oh my, how he'd grown up and changed! He also had to get new glasses while he was home for his surgery. The eye center was good enough to give us the "children's discount" to save us money and they got them done in 24 hours! I guess the humidity is hard on metal bz they just broke in a weird spot on the temple and couldn't be fixed. He wears contacts but he picked them up one night to put them on and they were broken. I finally understood what he meant when he wrote home, "Hawaii broke my glasses!"

    Enjoy your fun-filled day! You're right, the true test for him will be JoAnn's!

    ReplyDelete
  3. hettyMarch 25, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    He looks fantastic! If he wasn't 'in there' he wouldn't have been able to lift you off your feet in a hug.

    ReplyDelete
  4. vivianMarch 25, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    WooHoo! What a handsome man! I know you are doing the Happy Dance! Glad he made it home safely!

    ReplyDelete
  5. JustCindyMarch 25, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    I'm so glad he has finally arrived. Oh a hungry son! Taking him to Joann's will definitely tell if he is really your son or not. Enjoy the day!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. DonnaMarch 25, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Handsome young man. So happy for you. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. BetsyMarch 25, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Barb, your young man is beautiful. Your family is so blessed to be helping others in the name of God. Enjoy your time with him.

    ReplyDelete
  8. SherryMarch 25, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    I'm glad that he finally made it. Are your feet touching the ground yet. Have a great day with his dads money LOL

    ReplyDelete
  9. HazelMarch 25, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    You sound so happy , reminds me of when my son came home from Asia after five years .Will he go back to the West Indies ??? I would just sit there and stare at my son the change is unbelievable .Enjoy him ,give him lots of hugs your lad has turned into a man ,take a bow its all because of the way you brought him up .Nice job Mom .

    ReplyDelete
  10. LynetteMarch 25, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    So happy for your reunion!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. ReginaMarch 25, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Congratulations on having your boy home! I bet you are one excited mama! You can definitely see a change just with the photos alone. Have fun with him!

    Sorry to hear about his delay as well. We had a 2 hour delay headed to Florida and it was NOT fun. I wouldn't have minded so much except that people were SO angry.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Susan In TexasMarch 25, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    He looks terrific! I'm sure you'll recognize him soon. ;) You can always feed him up a bit, but he looks fine to me.

    Enjoy!
    Susan in Texas

    ReplyDelete
  13. JocelynMarch 25, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Oh Barb, what a beautiful post. And why do our children have to grow up?????? Your son is such a nice looking young man, and I am sure that his experience on the mission field grew him, not only physically but spiritually as well. Enjoy him.

    ReplyDelete
  14. West Michigan QuilterMarch 25, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    What a handsome young man. I can only imagine how happy you are after not seeing him for so long. Enjoy your time with him. Great post.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Twisted QuiltsMarch 25, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    So so thrilled for you and your family. I know you will be in the kitchen before the day is over cooking for that boy! You will have to let us know how many of those 50 pounds you put back on him.

    ReplyDelete
  16. WendyMarch 25, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    I'm so happy for you and that your son is home safe and sound. God bless you both! May you enjoy every moment of your day!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. sewfunquiltsMarch 25, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Barb, I'm so happy for you all, and he sure is one handsome man! They grow up way too fast for us Moms, don't they? Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Diane HMarch 25, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Oh Barb, now you've gone and made us all cry! God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Three Birds InspiredMarch 25, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    I can only begin to imagine your excitement and joy having your son back home. With the big weight loss you have another joy in store - feeding him...'cause we know there are few things mothers enjoy more than watching their sons eat!

    ReplyDelete
  20. PokeyMarch 25, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    I'm so happy for you to have your "eagle" home, Barb! It is amazing to see the transformation in any young person, I'm so glad that he's back for you to love on!
    :-}pokey

    ReplyDelete
  21. AverettLadyNanaMarch 25, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    I am so happy for all of you!!! He's so very handsome!!! Enjoy!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. ~Laurie~March 25, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    WOW - what a different man! He is sooooo handsome and looks so happy to be home. He looks like a return missionary that I want for my Julia!! Enjoy the time you have together - somehow I know you will! Sending Mom hugs to you ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Bev SMarch 25, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Oh Barb I am so glad he is home. He is just so handsome but we make handsome boys don't we. Mom said you will be this way I just can't wait to see both boys and you. Enjoy he as much as you can.Love all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  24. KarenMarch 25, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Wow! 2 years he was gone???!!! That is a long time! My daughter went for 6 months on an exchange program and that was long enough! It is amazing though how much children can mature and become more independent! I can only imagine how you must feel to finally have him back home again once more!!! Even though you are letting him sleep in I know you must be about ready to POP!! LOL Oh enjoy!!!! :0)

    ReplyDelete
  25. SuzanneMarch 25, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Congrats on a third missionary! It's amazing how much they can change on the outside (and inside). Start feeding him, Mom!

    ReplyDelete
  26. YvetteMarch 25, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    YAY! I am so happy this day finally came for you. I am sure your face has a permanent smile on it. Have a fantastic weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Needled MomMarch 25, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    What a handsome young man! Maybe you can keep him for your 6th son!!!!

    Enjoy your visit. I know there will be a lot of catching up to be done.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Mary Grace McNamaraMarch 25, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    What a joyful day for your family! I bet he is just as glad to be home as you are to have him home! He looks like such a fine young man!

    MGM

    ReplyDelete
  29. Scrappy quilterMarch 25, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    What a fine looking young man. Enjoy your time with him...even spoil him just a bit. That's what moms are for. Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  30. UnknownMarch 25, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    How absolutely wonderful for everyone! What a wonderful change! You should be so proud (I know you are!) and you are all going to have a great time getting to know the new David! lol

    ReplyDelete
  31. Mary L.March 25, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    So happy for you, Barb. What a handsome young man! Enjoy!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Mary L.March 25, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    So happy for you Barb. What a handsome young man! Enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  33. PaulMarch 25, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Wow... When I came home from a 4 month mission trip my mother did not even recognize me... I literally walked right past her. She eventually turned around and I was standing right behind her, but I had grown about 2.5 inches, lost about 10 pounds, but for me the biggest change was that my hair was bleach blond, and my skin was very tan, in fact, I was brown. Thanks for bringing that memory back...

    Your son looks great. Congratulations on having him back home again.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Robin Quilts, etc.March 25, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    I am so happy for you. He is certainly a handsome young man! Have a great day, spending his dad's hard earned money.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wacky WomanMarch 25, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Makes me cry I'm so happy for you.

    ReplyDelete
  36. FleuretteMarch 25, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    A good looking young man! enjoy your time together.

    ReplyDelete
  37. LindaMarch 25, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Ah, I'm so happy for you. How many times have you gone in and looked at him without waking him up? Enjoy your young man. Shall we say, been there, done that! I'm glad he's back safe and sound. Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  38. JudiMarch 25, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Oh Barb! How fun to have him home - he looks great. I can imagine - now that I have boys - that the return home from their mission will be so incredible! I look forward to that. Funny thing - my brother came home after gaining 50 pounds - we didn't recognize him either. I think my sister called him Gigantor or something to that effect! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. KimMarch 25, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    No matter the changes I am certain that this young man is a sight for sore eyes. Bet you can't stop hugging him for days, lol. Enjoy :-D

    ReplyDelete
  40. Susan EntwistleMarch 25, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    So you are walking on air now. Enjoy it. (JoAnn Fabrics? Now there is a boy that missed his mom...let's see if he'll go with you next week LOL!). Oh, and when you book that weight loss trip to the West Indies....TAKE ME ALONG! I vote for Antigua :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Bev SMarch 25, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    Oh I am so glad he is home. Give David hugs from his auntie. Enjoy him.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Purple Quilter QueenMarch 25, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Congrats Barb! Glad he made it back safe! Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  43. GerryARTMarch 25, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Yep! came home a man.
    Have Fun ! ! !
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  44. DeannaMarch 25, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    So happy to hear about his return--particularly the growth and maturity. Isn't it wonderful?! You know the work must be true when the basic tool for spreading the word is teenage boys. And it works.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Betty March 25, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Good to hear you Son is safe at home now. It is amazing how life can change a boy into a man in such a short time. Enjoy this time with him as I know you will.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Bridget BMarch 25, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    Happy your good-lookin' son made it back safely.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Robin (RsIslandCrafts)March 25, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    Such a handsome young man. These kids of ours sure do grow up and change so quickly. Sounds like he had some amazing experiences that helped him grow.

    ReplyDelete
  48. LynnMarch 25, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Enjoy Barb!

    ReplyDelete
  49. PattyMarch 25, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Glad he's back safe and sound, enjoy him!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Dana GaffneyMarch 25, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    I'm so glad he's finally there. I saw the delay post on FB. So what does the future hold for this handsome man? Will he be staying for awhile? Hope so.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Gene BlackMarch 25, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    He looks great. I know you are happy to have him home. I may need to go on a mission trip myself.

    ReplyDelete
  52. sandraMarch 25, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Oh Barb how sweet, it brought a tear to my eyes. On one hand it is go to see them change and grow but "where is my baby boy". Have a wonderful time with him while he is home. You didn't say how long he would be home?
    God Bless you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  53. AngelaMarch 25, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    What a blessing to get your boy home.

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousMarch 25, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Barb, how blessed you are. I cried when I read this. I haven't seen my son in over two years...what would I not give, to feel his arms around me, and hear him call me "mom"...his fiancee lost her temper and said that dad and I could not come to the wedding! Then he felt he had to be loyal to her, instead of standing up for us. Hug that son, and "feed him good"...you are truly blessed.
    Jacque in SC
    quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  55. AnonymousMarch 25, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Hello Barb, your post brought tears to my eyes....glad David is safely home to you all....alot of change in two years...some outward changes....but deep down he will be the same...Hugs Lyn

    ReplyDelete
  56. BarbMarch 26, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    what a handsome young man. He looks like he is right with the world - enjoy your boy!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsMarch 26, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Oh Barb I am so happy for you! He looks wonderful and just like you(lucky guy) Enjoy! Oh I do not have to tell you that, your baby is home!

    ReplyDelete
  58. RumiMarch 26, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    WooHoo! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  59. CrispyMarch 26, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Oh Barb, I have tears in my eyes reading this post!! Welcome home David, kiss and hug on mom a lot.....I think she needs it :0)

    Crispy

    ReplyDelete
  60. Michelle May-The Raspberry RabbitsMarch 26, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    A handsome young man who is lucky to return home to such a wonderful family. A win win situation for sure!
    xx, shell

    ReplyDelete
  61. Jackie's StitchesMarch 26, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Oh Barb!!! I know you're just thrilled to have your son home. He does look so different. But I know that the boy that left to go on mission is in there and is also enjoying having his mom fuss over him and take care of him! I know you'll enjoy every minute!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Melissa ;-)March 26, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    Wow he did change a lot! I know you miss your little boy, but I also can tell how proud you are of this grown man!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hands Sew FullMarch 26, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    Oh Barb! That is so great that your son is home and back in your arms! I hope that your time reconnecting with him is wonderful!
    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  64. CorrieMarch 28, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    What a sweet, sweet day it must have been. Hope you are all adjusting.

    ReplyDelete
  65. SheriMarch 29, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    Our son left at 6' 3" tall and came home at 6' 6". He left as an awesome young boy and came back as an awesome young man. He is now a father of four boys and a bishop! It looks as if you probably have some of that in your future. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  66. LiahonaGirlApril 4, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Congratulations on his having served an honorable mission! I'm sure there are people from the West Indies who will be eternally grateful for his service.

    ReplyDelete

Life is a breeze with you in it. Thanks for stopping by!