(Hi Katie...I hope you don't mind I *borrowed* this picture from f*c*book)Raleigh and I met Jake and Katie while we were living in Birmingham. Raleigh and Jake attended UAB together for grad school. We became great friends and had (and still have) lots of fun together.
After finishing grad school, Raleigh and Jake (and our friend Ara) all got hired by the same company in Atlanta.
So...we all moved to Atlanta. About 2 years ago, Katie and Jake welcomed their precious son Charlie into the world. It has been so fun watching him learn and grow.
Jake is in the army and was deployed approximately one year ago. Tonight is a special day because Jake is coming home! After one year of deployment, he is coming home tonight to be with his wife and son.
Dear Jake, Katie, and Charlie,
Words cannot express our thankfulness to your entire family. Thank you for the sacrifices you made for our country.
Jake~ Thank you for being so brave. I cannot imagine being away from home for an entire year. We cannot wait to spend time with you! Raleigh is looking forward to a fishing trip! And hey, before long Charlie will have a new friend to play with!
Katie~ You are so brave! You have been the picture of grace for the past year. I know that life was not easy with Jake being gone, but you did it! And now it is over! Praise God! Katie, This quote by Eleanor Roosevelt makes me think of you, "A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." You have been so strong.
Charlie~ Your dad is a hero! A real live super-hero! That is even better than the heros in comic books. You are so blessed to have such a brave dad.
Welcome home Jake!
With much love and gratitude,
Bridgette and Raleigh
**If you have time, please leave a comment, thanking Jake for his service to our country! Thank you!**
Welcome home, Jake! Enjoy your beautiful family, and thank you very much for your service to our wonderful country!
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! That chance to see each other at the Welcome Home ceremony is so precious - thinking of you and praying for your family!
ReplyDeletewelcome home!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your service. You and your family have sacrificed much, but I'm sure you just see it as doing your part for freedom. We love you even though we don't know you because we so appreciate what you do for us!
ReplyDeleteWelcome home Jake!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud that you are part of my family. Thank you for your sacrifice, and Katie and Charlie, thank you for the sacrifice you both made in living with out your husband and Daddy this past year. I love your little family. You have been in my prayers.