Saturday, May 24, 2008

Home

After a long but uneventful flight, I arrived back home to a hero's welcome last Thursday.  Not only was my family there (they were able to meet me at the gate as soon as I walked off the plane - special deal the airlines offer for just this sort of thing) but the officers from my parent command were waiting just outside the security boundary to welcome me home as well.  It was a wonderful arrival!
Yesterday was my first full day home and mostly I was struck by the dichotomy of feeling out of place "back in the world" and also feeling like I'd never left somehow.  It is hard to adequately explain but I hope you get the idea.  Being home isn't 100% normal just yet but having the long weekend to ease back into my routine should help that transition.  I have to say going out for pizza at our favorite local place for dinner last night was awesome!  I'd forgotten how much flavor food can really have - plus, I was able to have a beer with my pizza like usual - whoo hoo for the big small things!
I have one more wrap-up post in mind, but it is hard to imagine not having "Pearl in the Desert" as a routine forum anymore.  Thank you all for your support these last ten months.  I can tell you without a doubt, the support from folks here at home makes all the difference in the world to the men and women still in harm's way.  Even though I am back home safe and sound now, please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Cheers, Pearl