Until Next Time....

My last blog was about saying "see yah later" to Jake. 

However, I got ANOTHER surprise. 

Monday came and he decided instead of flying to Kentucky he would stay home for his full 10 day leave. 

He called his duty station and whoever he talked to there basically told him he may not get to come home at Christmas time and it would probably be in his best interest to stay home. 

So he did. 

I am very thankful for the extra time with my brother. 

During the day Monday, I called off my regular 9-5 job because I anticipated taking him to the airport.

I didn't want to miss seeing him off to his next venture. 

But like I said, he decided to stay home. 

So I went into my night job still. 

Tuesday & Wednesday I didn't see him at all. 

I figured everyone had been up his ass the whole weekend because we didn't think we would get much time with him. 

So, now that we had more time, I wanted him to just relax. Sit on the couch. Play Xbox. Love his friends. Love time all alone. 

Just sit around and be a normal 20 year old kid with minimal responsibilities for a few days. 

Thursday was awesome. 

Amanda's family invited us out to dinner at this amazing restaurant, Compane Bistro. 

Delicious food if you're in the area. 

We celebrated their engagement and met her family for the first time. 

I have to say, they're amazing people. 

It was so nice to sit at a table and feel so much love and support for Jake and Amanda. 

I love Amanda. Very very much. 

She is such a phenomenal woman. 

How many people can say that at 20 years old, they were ready to be completely selfless and stand by their man while they sacrificed their own life & freedom to defend our country?

A service member with a full support system is ideal. 

In Jakes case, I can say I am truly thankful to have SO many people standing behind him.

Including Amanda and her family. 

They're such wonderful people. 

And I now understand where her unconditional love and support comes from. 

My favorite brother & I.

The newly engaged couple & myself.

On Friday after work, I met up with my brother to head over to our grandparents house. 

They really wanted to see him one last time before he left for Kentucky. 

It was nice just hanging out and spending time with them. 

After our grandparents house, Jake headed to the tattoo shop. 

Our entire family is tattooed at Physical Graffiti by Gooch. BEST tattoo artist. Ever. 

Gooch was kind enough to cancel two of his appointments to get my brother in before he left. 

Thank You Gooch for taking the time to get Jake in. 

My brother got a sick tattoo. It's a start to what I can only assume will turn into another sleeve piece. 

Finished product. 

It came out awesome. 

After the tattoo we all met back at my Moms house and just hung out. 

Justin (Jakes long time best friend), Amanda, Joey (my hubs) and myself just hung out and had a few drinks. 

My mom and step dad came home after the hospitals holiday party and joined in. 

We just hung out. Laughed and had a nice night. 

And then today came. And it came way too fast. 

I feel like I get quiet on days like today. 

Where I have to say goodbye. 

I just kind of sat on the couch. 

I didn't say too too much.  

Putting on his boots

Snuggling his puppy before he has to leave.

My Mom, Paul, Joe, Kayla, Jason, Amanda and myself headed to the airport to see him off. 

We were fortunate enough to get boarding passes to get through security to see him to the gate. 

However, poor Amanda left her ID at the house and wasn't able to go back. 

We stayed out behind security until the last possible second. 

The airport wasn't very busy today so we got through security pretty quickly. 

As we walked toward the gate, Joe, Jason & Amanda came to the glass to see him off one last time. 

Saying good bye to his future wife through the glass.

As I walked down concourse B, tears started welling. 

I did not want to do this again. 

The memories from Syracuse started to all flood back. 

It was a quiet walk. 

I just wanted to stop and hug him. 

But I kept walking. 

I knew I couldn't hug him forever. 

He had to go. 

And I didn't want to make it any harder on him. 

We got to his gate and he left to hit up the bathroom quick and I just cried. 

I had to let it out. 

I wanted to try and get it out before he came back. 

I wanted to keep it together. 

But then I would look over at my Mom. 

She just kept welling up. Her only son. Leaving. Again.

It's just tough. 

 2 minutes later they asked for active military to board. 

Just like in Syracuse I lost my shit. 

I just hugged him and said, "I love you so so much. Please squeeze me."

I wanted him to hug me super tight one last time. 

So he did. 

He got teary eyed but he didn't let the tears fall.

I  apologized for crying and said "I don't mean to make this hard for you."

We walked over to the gate and watched him hand over his ticket. 

Then it happened. 

He turned around, waved, and said "Love you guys." 

And then he was gone. 

I cried and cried in the car until I felt I couldn't cry anymore.

It's weird. 

I feel like if I go over to the house, he should be there. 

He should be down in the basement playing grand theft auto.

But he wont be. 

He's back to work. 

And I can't wait until I see him next.