Heart Wrenching Ceremony

Well, I made it through the ceremony today.  Barely.  My husband and I walked down from the parking lot. I saw the American flags and a bunch of what looked like vets standing by the buses and watching everyone walked in.  At first, I wasn't sure who they were, but my husband said they were there to protect us from any crazies (i.e. from the Westboro Church).  I was so grateful for them. 

We got in the Ford Center, and when we got to our seats, I looked around and I swear, about half the Center was soldiers.  The paper said that 3200 soldiers are part of this deployment - and I just about lost it then.  Oh.my.goodness. 

Once the ceremony started, they played a video called "Citizen Soldier". I couldn't really see it because we sat basically right underneath the jumbotron.  I did catch bits and pieces though, and honestly, I was glad that I couldn't see it all.  I loved the music, just not the pictures so much. 

Many dignitaries gave speeches, and it seemed like it was basically the same thing that was said.  Through the whole thing, I wanted to just break down and cry.  Cry hysterically, I might add.  I do not want my son to go next week. 

My only hope in getting through this next year is knowing that the Lord is in control.  And that He loves me; and will be there to help me.  If I didn't have that certain knowledge....well, I just don't know what I'd do.