The day started at 6:30 am. I got up along with dad and becca to go run our Turkey Trot. :) On our way to the race Dad mentioned that he had talked to Jeff the night before. He mentioned that he didn't receive the $80 care package that mom sent because the post office was closed until that Monday. I was a little irritated as mom had paid for overnight shipping on MONDAY and as of WEDNESDAY it still wasn't there. We had sent him a can of peas, turkey jerky, a tasteycake pumpkin pie, and some other favorites. We figured he could have his own little dinner while we skyped him as we ate our dinner.
Dad then proceeded to tell me that Jeff found out Wednesday afternoon that he was assigned to a family and had to spend the day with them for Thanksgiving. No big deal right? Thats a nice thing for them to do...WRONG. Jeff either had to wear Khakis with a white button down shirt, or his dress blues. Here is where the problem lies. Jeff didn't have khakis and it was too late to go out and get some, so he was going to have to wear his dress blues, which he looks stunning in. However, they are extremely uncomfortable.
He had to be at a bus station at 7 am where he would meet his family and then spend the day with them. All I could think of was how I knew Jeff wanted to watch the football game and how I'm sure that his dress blues would not be comfortable to sit around in all day. I kept reminding myself that this was his choice and that he's a big boy Marine. He can do it...I mean really if he can run miles in a heat index of 110 he can sit in a comfy house with uncomfy clothes on. This didn't really help the fact that it was going to be weird not to have him sitting there with us at the table. I was also upset that this wasn't the first time the military messed something up for him. Im proud of Jeff and I am thankful for the military personnel and for ALL they have done for my freedom...but sometimes they just aren't organized.
Anyways, I pushed all thoughts out of my mind and ran the race. We had a ton of fun, Becca filled in for my friend who was originally going to run but at the last minute couldn't. I beat my last time (*cough and dad cough*, dad beat my first 5k race time, and Becca finished...which was her goal. :)
I went upstairs and got a shower, while I was in there I just started thinking of Jeff and how he could potentially have a miserable day. I started crying and prayed that God will help him to have a relaxing day and that he would know that even though he couldn't be with us in real person or on Skype that he would know that he is loved and we are thankful for his service.
I came downstairs and joined Rachel and Mom in the kitchen doing homework/talking/making dinner. We saw my car pull in and new it was time to sit and listen to all of Dads awesome plays and whatnot. :) Chris walked in the door followed by my cousin Matt, Chris had my camera at the field and had it out of the case as he walked in. I thought he had some awesome pictures to show me. I then see dad walk in with a backpack, I kinda looked at it wondering why he had it with him, and then it hit me at the same time I looked up at the man in the doorway that it was Jeffs backpack. Chris captured the whole thing.
Mom screamed, embraced him, and started crying.
I was a bit shocked.
This will be a moment my family will forever make fun
of me for, as I blurted out while crying that I was "mad at him
because I just wasted time in the shower crying over him" I think
I punched him in the shoulder too...oops. haha
He forgave the punch and gave me the best hug ever!
Becca was in the background yelling that she wanted
a turn as she hadn't seen him since August. :) She got her hug
while the rest of us finished crying and shook as the adrenaline
took its course.
Forget shopping all day for Black Friday. Hiking,
laughing and making "asian" memories (inside joke) with your
siblings lasts longer than any TV on sale for $199. :) <3
