The war that’s almost over

This week, President Obama welcomed home some of our military in Fort Bragg, NC. He also declared the war in Iraq as being over.

I have to admit that I teared up a bit as I walked by the television and saw a few minutes of what was being said. (I was at work.) I don’t believe it’s really over until all of our men and women are back on US soil. And right now, there are still a few left over there in Iraq. My brother is one of them.

But not for much longer. I think he’s been counting down the days until he’s out of that country. And soon (as in, today), he’ll be counting down the hours and minutes until he’s out of Iraq.

I asked Jason over IM if he was getting excited and he replied that he wouldn’t be excited until he was on the plane, leaving Iraq. I can’t blame him. I’ve been excited for him, but not getting my hopes up as the dates of their departure kept changing.

That departure date is finally here. He should be traveling soon. And he’ll be back in Hawaii in a few days. And in North Carolina in two weeks. So that whole thing about our men and women being home for Christmas? Not true. There are still several thousand people who will get back to the United States before Christmas, but can’t actually go home. While they will be stateside, they won’t be home. But I’m glad they’ll at least be on this side of the world.

I’ve been telling Lucas all about his uncle Jason and how he’s going to get to meet him soon. Lucas just grins…because, well, that’s what he does.

But we’re excited. And so thankful that he’ll be back home soon. The war is almost over.