What this weekend has meant to me

I don't know if this weekend has been so joyful but difficult because this was Jakes first time home since he left in August. 

I don't know if this will ever get easier. 

I don't know if I will ever become comfortable with the fact that he will be away from home more than he will be home. 

This surprise was such an incredible blessing. 

All my life I have been taught family is everything. 

I have been taught when everything around you crumbles, 

you will always have your family by your side. 

I don't think I have ever taken my family for granted. 

This weekend has really reminded me just how much they mean to me. 

That I would give up my own happiness to make sure they were happy. 

It was so nice to see my brother home, comfortable, smiling. 

It was so incredible to see him today hanging out on the couch with all his buddies. 

It's so nice to hug him. 

To tell him, to his face, that I love him. 

And I don't want tomorrow to come. 

I don't want to go to the airport tomorrow and "see yah next time." 

I don't want him to go to Kentucky. 

But I do. 

Because that's what he wants to do. 

It's his dreams he is living out. 

So, even though my selfishness wants him to stay here so I can hog him, 

I don't want him to stay here. 

I want him to go be everything he was made to be. 

I want him to excel and be amazing in everything he does. 

This weekend was a huge weekend for Jake. 

He came home. 

He proposed to the love of his life, Amanda. 

He bought his first big boy car; a 3 series BMW. 

All of these choices he has made are huge, monumental choices. 

But they're fantastic choices. 

I couldn't be more proud of the choices he has made. 

And that's how you know the Army has made him grow up so fast. 

He no longer sees his life as the same anymore. 

He no longer wants to wait to do big things. 

He has come to the realization that each day is a gift and we should take it and run. 

Do big things. 

And that's all I ever hoped for him, 

To do big things. 

Straight Chillen

Filling out the paperwork to purchase his first car! 

Standing with his new BMW! 

Holding his keys to his new whip!!

At game night, we ate shredded chocolate. 

Love this kid!

Boss.

Jake and his Fiance! 

Bros 

Jake & Dad

My world. 

For the people who read this blog, 

If I can tell you anything and hope that its sinks in; 

I really hope you take away that family is everything. 

Put them above all else. 

For if you stand behind them through it all, 

they will be sure to stand behind you.