Ahhhh...

Chad returns to Camp Pendleton tomorrow! I know Katie is ready and so am I. He has been in Bridgeport, CA in snow and below freezing temperatures for 45 days. He fought through hypothermia, beginning of frost bite, a stomach bug, and significant weight loss and dehydration. It is so hard as a mom to not get on a plane, fly up there, start kicking butts and taking names later, but I also know that he is a fine Marine and this is only making him that much stronger and able to withstand anything life might throw his direction. I couldn't be more proud of him or Katie. I know how hard it has been for me as mom and how hard it is when my sweetie is gone so I can't imagine how hard this has all been on her. They will certainly have one of the strongest marriages around once they have gotten through this journey together. They will both look back on this time spent and realize that it has made them stronger together and individually and there will be nothing they can't face together. Chad is creating a much better life for them in the future and one that not only he and Katie can be proud of, but me and Tebo as well and his grandparents. We've had to struggle for much of our lives to make ends meet and just get through stuff and while I they have and will have tough times, this foundation they are building will help them have less of those times and that makes me feel better.

They just have to get through more training and one more deployment and then they can start the rest of their lives and relax a little. I can't wait for that time for them both and for me to have the chance to see them more.