Why I can't wait to get home

[EODRay]

Enough posts about me. I would like to share the other side of my life and why I can't wait to get home. My family has made more sacrifices than I can count to enable me to run around the world and do what I love/hate. Just to name a few things that I have not been there for due to deployments and training: My youngest sons birth, at least 20 birthdays, 10 anniversaries, my oldest sons graduation, my wife's severe hear condition diagnosis and countless holidays.
Through it all, these 5 wonderful people have stuck by me and supported my without fail. I'm not unique in this, many other men and women have made the same sacrifices and more. I just wanted to start a thread paying tribute to my support system. They are wonderful and more than I deserve.
My oldest kids (Solomon 25 and Rayana 23) both go to college at the University of Texas at San Antonio. My youngest son (Garrett 9) has Autism (high functioning) and is a very sweet child. My wife (Valarie Age not disclosed ) is the strongest woman I know. She home schools Garrett, holds down the fort at home, and sends the greatest care packages. :hump:

A friend of ours took these first few pictures a few months before this deployment.



Then while I was gone, she took these.



Garrett loves to go fishing with dad. He always has to wear this silly fishing hat too.

My wife is my rock. I am a better man because of this woman!

 

[idnative1948]

Very nice family Ray! Be safe.

 

[fowladdict]

Great post! Wrap 'em up tight when you get back. Great family you have!

 

[Ben Lamb]

Beautiful family Ray. & your wife is right, you look better without the beard.

 

[duckhunt]

Awsome family. I hope you get to come home to them soon.

 

[putm2sleep]

Dam algeries.........my o my. Praying for you Ray, and for your family - for your safe return and for you to get into those hands that are praying for you!!!!! God bless you man!

 

[JCS]

Come home safe to your family.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Ray-

Great family! Protecting them is the best motivation to go, but loving them is why you can't wait to come back!

I am excited for you to see them again.

 

[EODRay]

Thanks guys

Beautiful family Ray. & your wife is right, you look better without the beard.

I know Ben. When I married her, I knew she was Mrs right…..I just didn't know that her first name was "Always".

 

[smarandr]

I knew she was Mrs right…..I just didn't know that her first name was "Always".

They really ought to put that in the manual.

 

[fishing4sanity]

Great looking family you got there! Stay safe.

 

[WV Hunter]

Great looking family you have there. I'll pray for your safe return to them. Thanks for your service.

That pic of your youngest with the sign is awesome

 

[spook12]

That's a fine looking family Ray. Hurry home safely.

 

[02bfishn]

Great looking crew there Ray - don't blame you for looking forward to getting home. Stay safe - you are on the home stretch.

 

[noharleyyet]

Handsome family..safe passage home Ray.

 

[SFC B]

They really are what keeps us going, aren't they? Can't wait to have you home brother. I will have an OTC WT doe tag for post this year if you want to get around after/before work for a while trying to fill a couple of those

 

[MtnWest]

Good post Ray. Was I the only one looking at the first pic wondering which one was your wife and which was your daughter? Both look young! Great looking fam and I hope time goes quick till your back with them!

 

[dustinf]

Keep your head down, and kiss those kids when you return.

Beards rule, but the Cowboys suck...

Go Steelers.

 

[smalls]

I had a hard time figuring out which one was you sans the beard...

Stay safe Ray and I hope there is a room full of beer waiting for your return.

 

[L. I. Yankee]

God has blessed your family and thank you for your service.....