Ben came home to Massachusetts last Friday night. There was a huge crowd at Providence’s (RI) T.F. Green Airport to welcome our hero home! (My mom Ellen is holding the yellow sign and I am in the center with my head cut off. Ben’s mom Mary is kneeling in front of me, Ben’s girlfriend Lindsey is on the floor holding the red “Ben”sign and Ben’s daughter Hailey at age 6 1/2 is also on the floor next to Lindsey and Mary. )
It was such an emotional homecoming. We all got to hug and kiss Ben individually and then take pictures with him. As soon as I saw him, I couldn’t stop crying. Therefore, I am only showing happy pictures. 
My sign read that Ben had been away for 221 days, 12 hours, 56 minutes and too many seconds to count. It was great to see my parents be able to greet Ben too. So here’s Ben and his “other” parents and his sister Karen Marie.
Ben, you are our hero, and we are all so proud of you and your fellow soldiers! It’s so good to have you home!
