Send Off Ceremony

Wow. This day was probably one of the most emotional days of our lives. Nothing can prepare you for it. We woke up Sunday morning in our hotel room with only an idea of what the day would entail. Jason had to report at 8am and his dad was kind enough to take him as the girls and I were able to get ready. It was an emotional goodbye even though we knew we would see him again in a few hours.
As we approached the Mid America Center I cannot express the overwhelming sense of pride you feel as you see all the Patriots holding flags to honor our soldiers leaving for war. As we sat waiting for the ceremony to begin, there was patriotic music and numerous loved ones filling the arena to support our troops. They played Thunderstruck by ACDC as the soldiers entered the arena- anyone who knows Jason knows this was perfect!
After the ceremony we were able to meet Jason in a conference room/hallway area. We hurried down through the crowds of people and finally found him. Just as the girls were running to him a news camera was right on them. As I approached they taped our whole time together. They then returned and interviewed our family. It was for KETV Channel 7 in Omaha. Governor Culver also stopped to thank us and hugged Lauren!! He was very sincere and grateful for our sacrifice.
We finally said our goodbyes and then they were dismissed to their busses that would take them to Mississippi. We hurried outside where hundreds of people lined the street where the busses would take off from. The Patriots were leading the way on their motorcycles and the crowd cheered and waved as they took off. We were able to see Jason one last time as he waved and blew us a kiss with a peace sign and they were gone.
We are so incredibly proud of you. As their mom I cannot even begin to imagine the sacrifice you are making so that all of us can be free. Thank you. And we are counting the days til you are safe at home.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1