As I walked to my car this afternoon, I was filled with anxiousness and excitement. As many of you know, I am very passionate about an organization called OPlove. We provide free sessions for the families of deployed soldiers, either while they are away, or when they come home. Though homecoming sessions are my favorite, they make me a nervous wreck.. after all, this isn’t really something you can recreate. I first went to the home of this beautiful family, and met mom and her 3 precious boys. As we arrived at the hanger I felt nervous butterflies fill my stomach. The last time I was sitting in that hanger, a very special friend in my life was coming off an airplane after a long deployment in Iraq. I choked back tears and began snapping away, trying to capture every moment for this beautiful family. A room full of people, so excited to see loved ones who had been absent from their lives for a very long time. After a few plane delays and a few hours of nervous anticipation we made our way outside as the plane finally touched down at Ft. Campbell. You would never know that we were standing outside in the cold rain, all of that was put aside for just a glimpse of a soldier who has been gone for far too long. I stood next to 3 little boys while they jumped and cheered with excitement as the finally pointed their dad out of the line. With our first look out of the way, we made our way back into the hanger to take our seats. No sporting event or concert could compete with the cheers that were heard when the command was given and the doors were pulled open. In perfect formation a group of proud soldiers marched in to a roar of pride and love. I stood silently thinking of the pride I had felt a few years ago. After what seemed like an hour of songs, speeches, and instructions the orders were given, “15 minutes with your families.” I ran as quickly as I could, following behind 3 little boys, running towards their dad at full speed. The rest of the night speaks for itself with the images below. I encourage each of you tonight to say a prayer for our troops. Welcome home 159 CAB and God bless the 101st.