Yellow ribbon

We are awaiting our neighbor's return from overseas. He's been in Iraq with the Army for a year. His flight is supposed to get back in town in less than half an hour. His wife and two daughters have been keeping things together for a year. 

We have grown closer, our two families, during this year. My two boys have even become friends with the girls next door. I know, "Girls," ew. I think my boys sympathize with how hard it must be for the girls to have their dad gone for a year.

It will be a relief when he is home, safe, and the ribbon is off the tree. To look over and see him barbecuing, in his backyard. To wave, casually. "Hey, how's it going?"

I just hope he is here to stay.