We drove to the airport in almost complete silence. There was the occasional mention of traffic, what time it was, and how cold it was... but most of the conversation was spoken simply between our latched hands.
There was so much bustle at the airport, even at 5:00am. We sat watching people get on airplanes, a mom say a tearful goodbye to her children, even a few guys miss their flight. We sat... holding hands... talking about everything we could other than what was about to happen.
There were so many things that I wanted to say... but couldn't muster the words, much less the strength so say them out loud. They finally called for his plane to board, I was hoping that I was dreaming... that the day had not actually arrived. We hugged and shared tearful "I love you's" and then he was gone. I stood there until his plane left my sight and cried all the way to the truck. And so it begins...
We will be ok, sadness will fade and life goes on... in the meantime, we will be the best Perry's we can be to honor the sacrifice that he has made for us and for our country.
"It [love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:7
I have to post as anonymous...but this is Lisa Chacon...I'm far from anonymous. I'm your sister-in-Christ, a Mother, a wife, a friend, and as a sat here reading tonight, my heart clung to your every word. At the church this morning, I asked the pastor if he'd spoken to you today, he indicated he had not. I told him, although I didn't know you that well, for some reason you were very heavy on my heart, and I was committed, I think as so many people were to making it a point to embrace you and your boys. I actually had the privilege, and I mean this sincerely, but I shared your story, or should I say testimony to a sweet young woman today at the give away, at church. I was sharing with her what an incredible church family it was. I was taking the opportunity to invite her to come visit and be a part. I shared with her that for me, as hard as it's been to become as "faithful" as I was wanting to be since my diagnosis of MS, the sweet sweet women have just wrapped their arms around me. I explained how, even though there was the "opportunity" that you could have chosen to move to Japan, you would have been alone...no support system there whatsoever, and remaining here...you have US...this church...a ministry that can wrap, love, and encompass you and your children like none other. That seemed to impact her, a single mother, in a mighty way. I hope you didn't mind me telling her about you, but God is using you and Ray to reach others. Be strong sweet one, know you are loved and prayed over!!! Love, Lisa
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