Our Visit with Jonathan

Just the facts....


We (Hal, DeeDee and Brantley) left immediately following the morning worship service to go to Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.


About 5 miles from Camp Shelby, and immediately after talking to Jonathan - for him to let us know where to park and wait for him to be released - our car stopped. It just quit running! We were able to coast to a service road. After talking to Lee (our mechanic) he determined it was our timing belt.


Lee and Anita loaded Anita's Toyota Highlander on the tow truck - and began their journey to Hattiesburg. Thank the Lord that Lee is not only our mechanic - but Lee and Anita are WONDERFUL FRIENDS!


Then a wonderful Hattiesburg Police officer came to our rescue - and drove us to the base. (Note - Hal and DeeDee in the back seat - Brantley in the front seat) No, I did not take a picture of this... LOL. He even turned the lights on for a short time!






We arrived at the base before Jonathan was released... but we were not far from where he was unloading and he spotted us.




(He did not see us getting out of the police car though).

When we realized that it was him coming our way - I had to hurry to throw down all of my stuff in order to get the camera out - but I was able to capture the run to each other - and Brantley jumping into his arms!
























What a precious moment!

Then after a few phone calls - Mark Windham's twin brother (who lives in Hattiesburg) - came to the base and let us use his car. What a special blessing to us! We were able to go out to eat (at Copeland's ummmm) and visit with Jonathan until Lee and Anita arrived.





We unloaded Anita's Highlander... drove to where the car was parked... Lee loaded the Camry on the tow truck and headed back to Alabama. We were able to stay and visit a little while longer before we drove back.

It was not as hard leaving him there this time. For we know that this time - he is home. He will be back in Alabama in a few days. The deployment is over. He is safe.

If I am able to figure out how to post a clip from my husband's message - I will do so soon. Which by the way - was a wonderful message to our graduating seniors - but also to all of us - about living a life that matters - and not wasting your life. So... go to the website http://www.calerabaptist.org/ and listen to it all... but for this particular blog... you really need to hear a clip. I will let you know if I am able to add it later. It is priceless considering our day!

But let me end by telling you all this: It was worth it all.

A broken down car
A blessed policeman who focused on serving
A friend coming to our aid and lending us his car

A wonderful friend/mechanic (and wife) who went far beyond the call of duty

Worth it all - to see our son.

To put our arms around him and get a wonderful hug.

To talk to him face to face.

To see him with Brantley.

To soak in the reality that our Loving Savior and Lord - protected our Son in the midst of war.

IT WAS WORTH IT ALL.

What a wonderful day! We are blessed beyond measure!

I still do not know how to load a video from youtube... so I will just end with this link.. go listen if you have time. It Has Always Been the Soldier.

Blessings!