<p>Wow. Guys. Stop worrying. When I fly home my mom doesn’t even know until I remind her the night before to pick me up. Your kids will be FINE. I wouldn’t want my mother to stay up all night worrying if the plane’s gonna crash or whatever. The last time a plane crashed within CONUS, it was a turboprop with the pilot flying it half asleep.</p>
<p>Oh wait. That’s not reassuring. I suck at this comforting thing.</p>
<p>^^^^ :eek: ^^^^ You crack me up!</p>
<p>All of my sweeties are now home and I am LOVING it. My college boy, who will never, ever, ever talk to me on the phone when he’s away at school, has been so delightful to be around. He’s been thoughtful (Do you mind if I go out to dinner with a friend? Is it okay if a friend comes over for awhile?). Now I am really looking forward to Christmas break!</p>
<p>1sokkermom, special place in all of our hearts for those so far away serving the citizens of this country. Many hugs to your family.</p>
<p>sokkermom, my sincere thanks to your son for serving our counrty.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I know, I know! But when you see the little airplane on your computer monitor screen make a sudden 90-degree turn without any explanations, you heart just skips a beat!</p>
<p>D is flying out tomorrow, but I’m already nervous. Last time she managed to miss her flight by 20 minutes! God bless JetBlue customer service - they put her on the next flight (the non-stop one!), and she arrived before the flight that she missed touched down at SeaTac.</p>
<p>My sweet girl is home from college!! </p>
<p>Her flight got in very late last night. My husband went to pick her up; I stayed home with our younger children. I did what I never thought I would – fell asleep!! I didn’t even hear them when they got home. </p>
<p>When I got up this morning I saw the happiest sight in days – her old black Converse sneakers again by the door where she always leaves them. She’s really here! I might just have to go watch her sleep, like I used to do when she was small.</p>
<p>It’s early, she’s still sleeping. I’m resisting temptation to sneak into her room to hug her before I have to leave for work. </p>
<p>For now, it’s enough to know she’s here, safe, and our family is complete again. </p>
<p>To all the parents still waiting, hang on! They’re on their way. And to those whose children are in far-flung places, especially those in peril or facing danger, my heart and prayers are with you.</p>
<p>My D flew home last night. I am so happy to have her here. My S is co-oping and was suppose to leave this morning bright and early (it’s a 7 hour drive). Told me mon that he thinks he will have to go into the office and will be leaving later. My H tells me this is good that he is dedicated to his job. Me, I just want him here and off the road!</p>
<p>S2 finally made it last night. What is usually a four hour trip ended up being almost six hours due to horrible interstate traffic. He’s asleep and I am happily washing his clothes.
S1’s flight fr. FL supposed to arrive at 8:30 tonight. Lots to get done before then.
Hopefully it will take my mind off the waiting.</p>
<p>It’s funny to find this thread. S got home at 2:30 am. Several hours after we expected him. Thankfully he called to say how bad the traffic was going through Atlanta. </p>
<p>As I sat down with my cup of coffee my first thought was how nice it is not to be stressed because I know S is in the bed asleep. </p>
<p>As a side note - we actually talked for about an hour before I had to go to bed. He stayed up even later playing with the dogs.</p>
<p>LOVE that flight tracker. Though, H does occaisonally like to tease me with, “You do realize you aren’t actually FLYING the plane, I hope.” Of course, you’ll note that he is more excited than I am for the return and has brought home every single favorite food since she was like one years old. Fruit roll-up, anyone? :)</p>
<p>Kid’s flight arrived about 6 pm yesterday. She called to let me know she was getting ready to board. Had no idea where hubby was. Apparently he was at the arriving airport, before she even left the departing airport. Go Dad’s and their daughters!!!</p>
<p>I love when she walks through the door and the dog does the funny dog song and dance! :)</p>
<p>Oh, the dog. I know. If there is heaven in the dog world, it is the day when my D returns. The body wag.</p>
<p>Our dog was SO funny when the boys got home. We let her out the front door, and she couldn’t stop running, jumping, in the truck, out of the truck, up on the boys, into the house, back out to the driveway…</p>
<p>Pretty sure she knows who they are. :-)</p>
<p>Happy dog this morning. All her people are home.</p>
<p>(Happy mom, too.)</p>
<p>One arrived last night (interesting side-of-the-road handoff from the ride he got to Waterbury, where DH picked him up) and one due late this afternoon. It’s been months and months since we’ve all been together. Can’t wait to play Boggle and Pictionary with them. (Every family has its own customs . . . )</p>
<p>We’re game players too. We’ll probably break out Settlers or Carcassonne. I have to stay out of any Risk games… They get crazy, fast. Normally before the first roll of the dice.</p>
<p>Oh, and FWIW, I just lost the game. Like I always do when the boys are home. (If you don’t understand, be glad.)</p>
<p>S2 just texted me. His train from DC to NYC is delayed. Equipment problems. They are transferring them to another train where, of course, he will not get a seat. He’s p<em>ssed as hell – he spent [his own] good money for this. Who can blame him for being p</em>ssed? I am too – now his arrival home will be delayed.</p>
<p>I was watching the news/weather, and it seems like there are going to be a lot of delays today, for various reasons…</p>
<p>FWIW, if your young traveler isn’t already at the airport, you might suggest they buy some emergency provisions, just in case. I haven’t been truly stranded, but I have heard horror stories, and some snack bars etc., might be handy to have, worst case scenario.</p>
<p>1sokkermom----Thanks for the reality check! I am just glad D can come home for the holiday. I wish your brave child the best and will include your family in our thanks!!!</p>
<p>Thanks musicamusica. </p>
<p>The next few months will be tough in Iraq. Apparently there was a bombing this morning.</p>
<p>According to the news, “The attack came as Iraq prepares for the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha, which begins Friday. Authorities have beefed up security measures for the five-day holiday, which has in the past served as prime time for insurgents to carry out high-profile attacks.”</p>
<p>In addition, the Iraqi elections are scheduled to take place in late January. This may also induce some attacks, because of the political instability.</p>
<p>Our family and the families of all our military certainly appreciate all the well wishes! According to S (in a recent email), they will be getting some good food on Thanksgiving. (At least I am glad to hear it is still all about the food…)
We are hoping to hear from him today or tomorrow. Unfortunately, where he is, and with his schedule, communications have been scarce. The internet is bad (no Skype lately), and apparently the cell service is intermittent, because every vehicle is equipped with devices to block cell service so that they won’t inadvertently detonate roadside bombs. Whenever missions leave the base (most of the time day and night) the cell service is interrupted.</p>
<p>D got in last evening on the “shortest bus ride ever”. She has to pick up a friend tonight and I don’t think the luck will hold out.</p>
<p>My thoughts go out to all of you especially those of you who are parents of our military men and women. </p>
<p>It’s so true that no matter how grown up they are we NEVER stop worryimg about them.</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for this thread. My freshman is flying in from O’hare to phili today at
4 pm. The shuttle just picked him up across the street from his dorm. Now to just get him to the right terminal, through security and to the gate. I can’t wait till he is home safe and sound. Blessings to all in harms way.</p>
<p>In addition to flight trackers, this is another helpful website for air travelers:</p>
<p>[Flight</a> Delay Information - Air Traffic Control System Command Center](<a href=“http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp]Flight”>National Airspace System)</p>