Our Last Night

Tonight is the LAST NIGHT of Tim’s deployment. It is hard to believe, yet an AMAZING feeling that we made it…sometimes crawling, sometimes skipping, sometimes dancing, sometimes hanging on by a string…but we made it. It was a long year for me, especially when I catalog the milestones each child reached during Tim’s absence. Also, it is hard to actually remember what it was like with all of us together…the Stoner Six seems more like a figment of my imagination at times than a reality.

I am thankful for many things (which I intend to devote an entire post to) but most of all I am thankful that Tim and I had this blog. It was therapy for me, and an outlet for us both. It has kept us tighter than I would have expected at the outset of the deployment. It also allowed many to put a ‘face’ or ‘persona’ with the war who otherwise had no other link.

Ellen, a new friend of mine, who has been battling multiple sclerosis among many other ailments has become an inspiration to me. Her story is incredibly arduous but she exudes nothing but positive energy and a glowing spirit. She wrote me this today…


“The body is kind of a cohesive unit -all parts have to work together because you can only “overuse” one sense for so long. That’s how you and Tim are. A team. A cohesive unit. Both of you have been fighting battles separately for so long - or at least trying to keep the peace as much as possible. You need one another for backup…reinforcement.”

I couldn’t have written anything more precise. Now, less than 24 hours until reinforcement arrives.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 28th, 2008 at 10:13 pm and is filed under Tim Updates. You can feed this entry. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

14 Responses

  1. Ohhh I am sooo happy for the Stoner six that you will be back together under the same roof!!!!!
    Enjoy Tim being home for good, watching him with the kids, his voice, smile and touch…every thing that you haven’t had for the last 12 months!!!! I can’t wait to reunion pictures!
    I hope that you keep up the blog for all your followers!!!
    Much love, excitement and happiness to your whole family!!!!

    Allison - April 28th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

  2. Congratulations on a job well done - by BOTH of you!! We are so happy for you all and thankful, Tim, for what you have done for our country. I do hope you’ll continue your blog as it has been inspiring to read about the strength and talents you both possess and fun to hear the tales of a delightful family of six. Enjoy your togetherness!

    Natalie - April 29th, 2008 at 6:09 am

  3. I’m so relieved Tim will be home- for him, for you, and for the kids…
    many many big kisses and hugs to you all!!!

    mary - April 29th, 2008 at 7:14 am

  4. Home Sweet Home.
    About an hour ago, as I cleaned up after dinner, I spotted Tim and the rest of the Stoner Six on their trampoline. Part of me felt like saying, even screaming, ‘Welcome Back!’ But, there will be time for that later. I knew this was a time just for those Six to be together as a family. I praised the LORD that Tim is back safely, shed a tear or two, and finished up the dishes.
    Tim (& Alfega)

    Tim & Alfega - April 29th, 2008 at 8:51 pm

  5. Ahhhh. When I got your message that Tim was on US soil I physically let out a sigh of relief. So thankful for ALL of you that you will soon be together. Congratulations on an amazing job and an amazing journey!

    Ann - April 30th, 2008 at 12:11 am

  6. Welcome Home Soldier!! See you in a couple of weeks. Isn’t spring a wonderful time of year? The glory of it all. My guess is that you never forget this one. Love to all 9

    Aunt 9 - April 30th, 2008 at 6:55 am

  7. So happy you are safe and with your family again, Tim. Welcome back home!

    Maggie - April 30th, 2008 at 9:52 am

  8. I feel the same as the others do, but I’m going to miss the blog!

    Tiffany's Dad - April 30th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

  9. Don’t worry…we have other plans for the blog.

    tiffany - April 30th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

  10. Thank you for serving and for sharing. Even though I don’t know you it did this Momma’s heart good!

    Kelley Williams - April 30th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

  11. Welcome home!!! So glad it’s finally here!
    So glad to hear there are other plans for the blog!
    Love you all!!

    Susan

    Susan - April 30th, 2008 at 12:49 pm

  12. Amen!

    Suzanne Sutliff - April 30th, 2008 at 1:20 pm

  13. So thankful Tim is safely home. When I pictured the six of you on the trampoline, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears. GOD IS GOOD! What a blessing that you are all together again. Love you.

    Melissa

    Melissa Rent - April 30th, 2008 at 4:47 pm

  14. As I have said, the best “Tiffanys” don’t come in a robin’s egg blue boxes (though those ARE nice, who are we kidding?)…they come in a newfound friend who makes wishes come true.

    My husband and I have enjoyed Tim and Tiffany’s beautiful children, shared laughs with her talented, fun and amazing brother but we have not had the opportunity to meet Tim!

    And we’ve said to each other on numerous occasions, we’d like to meet the missing member of the Stoner Six!

    Tim, though you don’t know us, you have NEVER been far from our thoughts, our prayers and our “countdown” for when you were safely reunited and back on Tiffany’s speed dial.

    Thank you for the selfless acts of service you have given to protect our freedom and those who continue to fight for it. Thank you for sharing your family with us. And in the immortal words of my husband, Kent, after reading this blog he had to concur with Tiffany with an enthusiastic “Holy Crap! He IS a double army stud!”

    And as for the whole “not knowing you” part, we’ll have to remedy that soon.

    Welcome home! We send our love to our favorite newfound friends. . .and a dynamite cohesive unit (gotcha, Tiffany!)

    Much love,
    Ellen Osborn, aka “Number 18″

    Ellen Osborn - May 2nd, 2008 at 6:13 am

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