Cole and I shot that with my iPhone the other night after finding out that Josh Downs was safely out of Afghanistan.
The anxiety in my gut and mind had been building because he was already supposed to be out of there, but every day or two, I'd get a call from him saying that he was still at Camp Marmal and that hopefully he'd get out the following day.
So when he called to say that he was on his way home and was currently in Kurdistan (I don't know where that is...Maybe Turkey?) I just sat in my car on the side of the road and cried. I'm not even sure why.
Relief I guess.
Last night, the kids and I all went to dinner and spent the entire evening telling stories and sharing our favorite things about Josh.
And at 10:12 p.m., I got the phone call I had been waiting seven months for; the call where my cell phone listed the caller as 'Harriet' (his nickname, from a quote he sent me by Harriet Beecher Stowe when we first started dating). Not the odd six digit numbers I'd grown accustomed to seeing when he called from Afghanistan or the long numbers I'd seen when he called from other countries. It was his cell phone number this time - which told me he was in the U.S.
And if all goes as planned, we'll see him step off a plane and onto the tarmac of Klamath Falls International Airport tomorrow.
And I don't normally blog on Sundays, but I knew that many of you would want to know, that many of you have been thinking of and praying for his safe return, that many of you have left comments and sent emails or even mailed care packages to him in Afghanistan and that many of you have been anticipating this post.
Thanks for all that. Thanks for your patriotism. Thanks for caring about my little family and for doing things that made some of the days without him a little brighter.
I probably won't be blogging much over the next few weeks. We're going to spend a few days at home and then we're taking the kids on a surprise road-trip. But I'll share everything when we get back. And I'm about two months behind on emails right now so I hope to get caught up on that when I get back too. (Sorry if I owe you one.)
And if you'r reading this Josh Downs...You have all of my honor and all of my respect and all of my love.
I'm just so, so, so, so excited for you and the kids and relieved to hear that he's safely returned to the US. Give him a big hug and tell him thank you for all he's given for his country.
Posted by: Annette | February 26, 2012 at 09:22 AM
Ours too, Josh Downs, ours too!!!! :)
Posted by: Michelle Adams | February 26, 2012 at 09:23 AM
Great news for you and your family!
Posted by: Adrian V. | February 26, 2012 at 09:24 AM
Thank you Lord for his safer return!
Posted by: Cheryl | February 26, 2012 at 09:25 AM
Yahoo!!!!!! That is the kind of news that I like to hear. How a fabulous reunion!!!!!
Posted by: Kim H. | February 26, 2012 at 09:25 AM
Amen! Can't wait for the updated pictures. Please thank John for all he has done for our Country - a true hero!
Posted by: Kristi in CA | February 26, 2012 at 09:26 AM
I usually don't check your blog on Sundays, but I was hoping for this post!!!!!!! Yay! Enjoy him!!!!!
Thanks for what you do JD!
Posted by: kristin | February 26, 2012 at 09:37 AM
So happy for you and your family. Just wanted to share that I was at the post office the other day with my two little guys and my 7 year old saw a soldier walk in and he proudly says "thank you for your service soldier". He said it after the gentleman passed, but it warmed my heart. So from my 7 year old to your Josh Downs - "Thank you for your service Soldier - Welcome Home!"
Posted by: Amy Rich | February 26, 2012 at 09:41 AM
Thank you for the sacrifice that you and your family have made over those long months. Enjoy your much deserved reunion!!!
Posted by: quietangelsb | February 26, 2012 at 09:48 AM
God bless your family. Just hold each other tight & enjoy that you all are reunited. Thank you for sharing your family's love with us.
Posted by: tluu | February 26, 2012 at 09:52 AM
first and foremost-thank you Josh Downs for your act of service. Second-words cannot even express how happy I am for you Karen that he is finally almost home. Embrace and enjoy the next few weeks together. Many prayers and warm thoughts being sent your way:) Looking forward to your photog workshop in April:)
Posted by: krista resnick | February 26, 2012 at 09:54 AM
i am so so so so so happy for you. i am crying with joy, i can't imagine how you feel!
Posted by: mandy friend | February 26, 2012 at 10:04 AM
So happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Wendy | February 26, 2012 at 10:04 AM
I am so happy and excited for all of you!!! I can not imagine being without my husband for that long and I admire you for that!!!
Enjoy every single second of the homecoming!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jeane | February 26, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Add my prayers to the many that will carry him home.
Posted by: jm | February 26, 2012 at 10:10 AM
Yay! I love this post! So glad you're home safe Josh Downs! Let the partay begin!:)
Posted by: Addie | February 26, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Thank God!
Posted by: Betsy | February 26, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Many thanks to Josh for his service to Our Country. I can't even imagine how difficult this has been for all of you. VERY happy to hear he is on U.S. Ground again. Congrats and enjoy!
Posted by: Lori | February 26, 2012 at 10:23 AM
I am so relieved to read this post! I have tears in my eyes! God Bless!!!!! Thanks Josh for all you have done for our country and freedom! Enjoy your time together! WOOOO HOOOOOOO!
Posted by: Cara Lieggi | February 26, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Doing the happy dance with a Woo Hoo. So happy that the day has arrived and little Annie does not have to wait long days any more. Embrace every moment you have over the next few weeks. Can't wait of the updates.
God is great for watching over you all and sending him home safely.
Posted by: A Facebook User | February 26, 2012 at 10:31 AM
Yayyyyy!!!!!! So happy that he is back in the U.S. and that you are almost able to see him! I just got home from photographing a military homecoming here in CA. It was such an emotional experience and I feel privileged to have been able to witness it. Congratulations and Thank You to Josh and your entire family for giving so much of yourselves for our country.
Posted by: Melanie | February 26, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Give him a kiss and a hug (or two or three or more) from all of us loving your family's service and sacrifice and following along and lending our prayers and tears for you. Love your little family and wish there were a bunch more like you.
Posted by: Deb | February 26, 2012 at 10:34 AM
God bless America and all our soldiers.
Posted by: ellen patton | February 26, 2012 at 10:41 AM
Tears of joy!!! Thank God that JD is returning to your wonderful family safe and sound. I've been through homecomings from Iraq (my daughter), and there's nothing like it. Thank him for his service, and know that your family's sacrifice is also valued.
Posted by: Darlene Meyer | February 26, 2012 at 10:50 AM
GOD
BLESS!!!
Posted by: Kelly | February 26, 2012 at 10:52 AM
I've been clicking on your blog like a maniac the past week or so, hoping to see that's he's safely home! So - YAY! Can't wait to see pictures of him back at "home"!
Posted by: Jane | February 26, 2012 at 10:53 AM
So glad to hear that Josh is back in the U.S.A. A big "Thank You" goes out to Josh for his service! I hope you all have a well deserved reunion.
Posted by: Pamela Dunn | February 26, 2012 at 11:01 AM
This is one of those times when thank you is just not enough.
Posted by: Monica | February 26, 2012 at 11:02 AM
I'm so happy for you! I hope he makes it home soon! Annie probably won't be able to sleep until she falls down from exhaustion, and Cole, well, him too!
Posted by: Julie | February 26, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Im on my way to church ...and don't normally spend my time on blogs but grabbed my husbands iPhone just to check if maybe the post I've been waiting for was oddly up on Sunday-
IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! And so so relieved your man in safe( never to be taken for granted our safe soil!) prayer have been answered & gratitude this Sunday
Hugs to you all for all the waiting & tears!
Posted by: Ada | February 26, 2012 at 11:07 AM
:) so happy for you, Josh and you gorgeous children. Enjoy. Look forward to catching up with the home coming when you have all come back down to earth.
Posted by: Kelly | February 26, 2012 at 11:07 AM
so thrilled for you and your family, karen.
many thanks from my family to yours for josh's service to our country.
Posted by: melanie | February 26, 2012 at 11:16 AM
YAY!!! So happy for you all. Best feeling in the world to finally get your soldier home.
Posted by: Sandy | February 26, 2012 at 11:16 AM
Praise God!! I am so excited for you and your family. There are no words to truly express thanks again for your sacrifice of service to our country.
Posted by: Amanda L. | February 26, 2012 at 11:17 AM
Huge sigh of relief that he is home. The last few days are the worst, I think, anticipation wise.
Thanks Josh for defending our freedom. Thanks Karen, and kids for the sacrifices you've made while he's been gone.
Just a heads up as a veteran of quite a few homecomings, the kisses are the BEST!!!!!
Posted by: JaYne | February 26, 2012 at 11:18 AM
oh yes!!! so happy for you and your familie! you deserve this true happiness! GOD bless you !
Posted by: sophie | February 26, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Yaaaaaaaaayyyy! So thrilled for you all to be together again. Soak up every minute....all the best!
Posted by: jennifer | February 26, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Hooray! Thank you Josh Downs, Karen, and family. Enjoy!
Posted by: Julie | February 26, 2012 at 11:33 AM
i have read and reread this post, I am soooo pleased that this day has finally come for you and your family, will be thinking of you all as you spend these next few weeks enjoying some precious time together, God bless:)
Posted by: Kim | February 26, 2012 at 11:40 AM
God bless you,Josh Downs, for your Patriotism and service. And God bless your family, kids and Karen for sharing it all with us as we hoped and prayed with you for Josh's safe return. All of our prayers have been answered! I was in tears reading your posts and so glad this journey is over for you. Bless your family and may you have a wonderful homecoming! Cathy Babineau
Posted by: Cathy B | February 26, 2012 at 11:49 AM
This is the post I've been checking your blog daily for. So pleased to hear Josh is safe back home.
Posted by: Jo E | February 26, 2012 at 11:53 AM
So thrilled for you and family.
Posted by: Lisa | February 26, 2012 at 11:55 AM
So excited for you and the kiddos. Enjoy each moment and thank that man of yours from us for serving our country.
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen | February 26, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Thanks to Josh and all of you for your sacrifice on behalf of our freedom! Thank God for a safe return. I will keep you all in my prayers for a wonderful reunion.
Posted by: Laura | February 26, 2012 at 12:04 PM
So glad to hear the news!
Posted by: Sally | February 26, 2012 at 12:05 PM
So happy to read this post! Enjoy your next few weeks!
A huge thank you to Josh Downs and the many others that are serving!!
Posted by: Lisa A | February 26, 2012 at 12:08 PM
God Bless you all and thankful for the safe return.
Posted by: Nicky from Canada | February 26, 2012 at 12:24 PM
Fantastic news, I'm so so pleased for all of you.
Posted by: Pauline | February 26, 2012 at 12:29 PM
I literally have tears in my eyes for all of you! Can't wait to see the post that he is finally home and you are all finally together again <3
Posted by: Carol | February 26, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Tears of joy!! So happy for you and your family!! Welcome home!!
Posted by: teresa b | February 26, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Thrilled for your family! Enjoy your much deserved time together.
Posted by: Victoria Hassink | February 26, 2012 at 12:56 PM
I don't normally comment, but I am so happy for you!!! Enjoy your homecoming moment. :)
Posted by: Kelly Jo | February 26, 2012 at 12:58 PM
glad I checked your blog today! yea! and a big, huge THANK YOU to Josh Downs and all those he served with.
Posted by: allison | February 26, 2012 at 01:02 PM
YEA! I am so happy for you! Enjoy your well-earned reunion! God bless your amazing family.
Posted by: Leigh Ann Brown | February 26, 2012 at 01:02 PM
I'm so happy he's on his way home. Thank the Lord! Enjoy your homecoming :-)
Posted by: Kim L in ATL | February 26, 2012 at 01:04 PM
Thank you God, for watching over Josh and his buddies, and for watching over Karen and her family. May you bless them always. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Posted by: young nanny | February 26, 2012 at 01:05 PM
I am so glad that he is returning home safetly! The words thank you can never be enough for the sacrifice that you and your family have made these last months but Thank you! I look forward to reading the story of his return I know you will all be so happy to have your family complete again!
Posted by: Amie | February 26, 2012 at 01:10 PM
You deserve all the joy that is coming to your family!!!
Posted by: kristen self | February 26, 2012 at 01:14 PM
Welcome home soldier, WELCOME HOME!!
Posted by: ana roat | February 26, 2012 at 01:18 PM
I have been watching for you to post this. I just want to say thank you to Josh Downs for keeping America safe and for all that he does for us. I am very appreciative and am so proud of him (even if I don't know him personally). I also want to say thank you to all of your little family for allowing him to do what he has to do. I respect and admire each and every one of you!! The sacrifices that all of you have made are great and I just want you to know that I am so grateful. I am so happy for your family!! Just reading your post today has brightened my day. Go and enjoy your time with your family and your time with Josh Downs. Hugs from lil ol me here in Montana!!
Posted by: Chris R | February 26, 2012 at 01:19 PM
Tears in my eyes in relief for your family. Go to sleep early, if you can sleep, so tommorrow comes sooner!
Posted by: Danielle | February 26, 2012 at 01:24 PM
So happy for you and your family, Karen. Thank you for your service, Josh Downs and the sacrifices made by you and your family for this beautiful country. Indeed,this is the post I've been waiting for so thank you for taking the time to post. We'll miss you these next weeks but will know that you are having a special time together enjoying each other. Looking forward to the pictures and your stories when you return. I always do!
Posted by: Kim P | February 26, 2012 at 01:32 PM
Mine too, your sacrifice has been amazing and I am thankful for you and your safe return to you most lovely family, lots of love and sending a big hug to you all, enjoy being together xxxxx
Posted by: Michelle Last | February 26, 2012 at 01:36 PM
Welcome home!
Posted by: JulieE | February 26, 2012 at 01:39 PM
What awesome news. So happy for all of you! God Bless.
Posted by: karol | February 26, 2012 at 01:42 PM
I just let the air out of my lungs. Whew. So glad you are only having to count hours now instead of months and weeks before seeing your beloved. This is joyous news indeed.
Posted by: Julie | February 26, 2012 at 01:46 PM
My heart is singing for you! I'm so glad Josh will be home tomorrow! I'm sure it felt like tomorrow would never come and I am so happy for your entire family!
Posted by: Lynn | February 26, 2012 at 01:47 PM
Karen, I read this quotes somewhere, "Missing someone gets easier everyday because even though you are one day further from the last time you saw them, you are one day closer to the next time you will." And now....your "one day closer" has arrived. Blessings to all of you!
Posted by: Donna N. | February 26, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Looked up Kurdistan.... it is in Iraq. Have been watching your blog several times a day to see this good news. So happy for you and your family that your Josh Downs is on his way.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_Kurdistan
Posted by: Ann Poole | February 26, 2012 at 01:52 PM
YEAH!!!!! I'm so happy for you and for the whole family. Thanks Josh Downs for fighting for our freedom.
Posted by: k.chock | February 26, 2012 at 02:02 PM
Welcome home to Josh and the rest of his fellow soldiers. THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice and thank you Karen and all of your family and friends for your sacrifices while Josh was deployed. I am so happy he is home safe and sound. Have an awesome family reunion and road trip I'm confident we'll be seeing more of your awesome photos when you get back to blogging!
So very happy for you and your family,
Kate Bogucki
Posted by: Kate Bogucki | February 26, 2012 at 02:16 PM
so so so happy for you and your family!!!
Posted by: Krista Lund | February 26, 2012 at 02:29 PM
So very happy for all of you. Thank you for all that your family has given!!! Prayers answered.
Posted by: Linda J | February 26, 2012 at 02:31 PM
So happy he is safe and sound - enjoy your r&r!
Posted by: Doris | February 26, 2012 at 02:32 PM
Such wonderful news!!! So happy for you and your family!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Angela | February 26, 2012 at 02:36 PM
I remember all too well my relief when my son called to tell me that his year long tour in Afghanistan was over and he was out of that country! All that emotion you've been processing since they left comes pouring out. Relief, finally. Thank Josh for his service and thanks to you and the rest of your family for their sacrifice! I hope you all enjoy a wonderful homecoming!
Posted by: Cathy K | February 26, 2012 at 02:41 PM
That is great news and so happy to hear of Josh's safe return home. Enjoy your much anticipated time together!
Posted by: Diane W. | February 26, 2012 at 02:42 PM
What wonderful news!!! Good news on our home front too...Jeff got a job and will be moving home by the end of this month. It's been over a year now!! God Is So Good!!! I'm thrilled for all of you!!!!
Posted by: Tracy | February 26, 2012 at 02:42 PM
Praise the Lord!
and please thank Josh Downs for his service and commitment to our country!
Posted by: amy jupin | February 26, 2012 at 02:52 PM
God bless you, and thank you! Enjoy every second of your family being all together!
Posted by: Monica | February 26, 2012 at 02:55 PM
Oh you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Josh Downs and the Downs family for your sacrifice!
Posted by: Vera | February 26, 2012 at 02:59 PM
this is the blog post that i have been waiting for......so happy for you and your family!
Posted by: laura j | February 26, 2012 at 03:02 PM
Praise the Lord! God is so good! God's blessings on the rest of his return and on your trip!
Posted by: Rachel Z | February 26, 2012 at 03:13 PM
I've been checking a few times a day waiting for just this post!! I'm so happy to hear he is back in the U.S. Have a wonderful day tomorrow as your family is reunited. I wish I could be there to see it in person.
Thank you Josh Downs for your service to our country. Welcome home!
Posted by: Mary Ann Jenkins | February 26, 2012 at 03:15 PM
All I can say is THANK GOD he is on home soil...... it would be like holding your breath while he is gone and now you can exhale. Enjoy your family time and holiday. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane Australi
Posted by: Kathy | February 26, 2012 at 03:16 PM
So very happy for you guys!!! Thank you to everyone for sacrifice & dedication!!! Much Love!!
Posted by: Carrie H. | February 26, 2012 at 03:33 PM
Definitely an answer to prayer. So happy for your family.
Posted by: Theresa in St. Louis | February 26, 2012 at 03:44 PM
he was in kyrgyzstan :) my hubby was deployed there in 2010. its in southeast asia, and is a hub that a lot of folks going in and out of iraq/ afghanistan stop through to refuel, repair a vehicle, or simply just to get to their tour or to go back home amongst many other tasks. enjoy your time with josh, i cry every time i even think about the day that mine came home from deployment, the way he looked when i saw him the first time again, and re-adjusting and getting used to having him home again. Take it easy and enjoy!!
Posted by: MEGAN | February 26, 2012 at 03:55 PM
Had a feeling I should check in on you today. Well, Hallelujiah and Yee Haw!!! So happy for you, Nellie!!!
Posted by: kat-in-texas | February 26, 2012 at 03:56 PM
I don't usually check your blog on Sunday but I thought I would check because I had been hoping for this post! Yay!!!! I cried my eyes out reading that he was back in the US! I am so glad your family is almost back together again.
It is funny that I don't know you, we have never met and yet I have been praying for you and have been eagerly anticipating your family's reunion.
So happy for you all! Go, enjoy your family and tell Josh Downs that we are all thankful for his sacrifice and service for our country.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 26, 2012 at 03:58 PM
LOVE reading this!!!! enjoy every moment with him!!!!!
Posted by: Nicole Campbell | February 26, 2012 at 04:01 PM
So happy for all of you! Thanks Josh Downs for your service and thanks Karen and kids for your sacrifices! Enjoy the homecoming!!!
Posted by: Dawn | February 26, 2012 at 04:07 PM
Thanks for posting on a Sunday Karen, this is the best news!!
Josh Downs if you're reading this...welcome home soldier, enjoy the reunion with your wonderful family, we've ached for your return too. Thank you so much for your service to our great country!
Posted by: Alaina | February 26, 2012 at 04:09 PM
My heart is BURSTING for you guys right now! Love this!
Posted by: Tammy | February 26, 2012 at 04:11 PM
oh, we Thank God he is returning safely and you enjoy every private, awesome monent with your family. Thank all of you for your sacrifice!
Posted by: Kim S. | February 26, 2012 at 04:14 PM
Woo Hoo! I'm so excited to hear Josh will be home tomorrow. Enjoy your family time and I'll look forward to hearing all about it soon. Praying for you all. ♥
Posted by: twitter.com/Marcie_H | February 26, 2012 at 04:20 PM
I am so HAPPY for you and your family. We really appreciate your service to our country.
Posted by: susan lew | February 26, 2012 at 04:24 PM
Yay! Thinking of you all and praying for a joyous reunion this week! Can't wait for pictures!
Posted by: Linda Atkins | February 26, 2012 at 04:27 PM
Wonderful news! Enjoy your family time at last!!
Posted by: Krista | February 26, 2012 at 04:30 PM
Yayyyyy! So happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Melinda Anderson | February 26, 2012 at 04:30 PM