The count down has began.....

In less then 12hrs after a 26hr drive from Lake Placid,NY our son & his wife will be pulling into Cahokia for a long awaited visit from them. It's hard to believe it's been over a year since we have seen them. All of us can hardly wait, been talking to him everyday for the past few weeks. It's always great to hear from them, and now even more then ever it's even more special to his mom & myself, because at the end of July they leave for Japan for 3yrs.
His mother & I are both excited & sad all at the same time. Excited that they both get to see the world while Joe gets stationed overseas, yet sad that they will be a world away at the same time. Thankfully there is the phone & Skype so we will be able to keep in touch & see each other via a video link thanks to the world wide web....joe

i am really happy for you and your family. sounds like a great 4th of july. enjoy your time together and post pictures.

Enjoy your reunion. Sounds like they have many adventures ahead, I guess you feel excitied for their oppertunity but sad for the distance and time!

Joe,

Great to hear your son and his bride will be coming home for a visit. I know the time will fly. Having been there and done that from his side, don't be too disappointed if he wants to spend some of his time hanging out with friends. I know my folks used to complain about that when I came home on leave. I experience it now sometimes when my daughter comes home for a visit.

I know you will enjoy this special time together, I can tell you are very close.

Pat

You and your wife are very lucky to have a son and now a daughter in-law that both of you think of and love so much. I'll say a prayer for their safety while they are away and for them to have the time of their lives.

PS Give big hugs but you have to let go when the Ship is pulling away or the Jet is taking off.

Richard

Hey Joe thanks for post your little story as it has brought a tear to my eye knowing how precious family is and are. All the best for the visit and their 3 year visit to another land. You and yours will be in my prays.

They showed up about 5pm, smiles and bear hugs all around.
Joe asked what he could do for us so we put him to work w/in 30 minutes of getting here, he jumped right in & was happy he could do it. He was getting rid of his weight bench/work out station so he broke that down & took it outside. Then he helped me move some furniture because we're getting the carpets cleaned tomorrow. It was great to have my right hand man back at home just at the right time to help this crippled up old SOB out.....joe