My son, Zachary, was about 18 months old when I was called to active duty in January of 2003. Although I saw him several times over the next three and a half months, I was not a daily part of his life for over a year. While I was overseas Veronica talked about me and showed him pictures. When asked about me Zach would say “Daddy is driving his big truck.” And drive that big truck I did. I finally came home on leave in January of 2004. Although Veronica talked about me I was worried about Zach remembering me. The greeting at the airport was awesome. I picked up Zach and was hugging him along with everyone else. Zach seemed a little unsure about me holding him so I put him down and continued to hug and greet the rest of my family. Later my sister tells me that after I put him down Zach stood there and watched what was going on. He sees her watching him and he whispers to her “that is my dad.”
My return is a very special memory. The story of my son making sure Beth knew who I has a very special place in my heart.
