This deployment has been one for the books for sure. Not because something grand happened, or because it was a hard deployment but simply because it was a 2020 deployment, amid a global pandemic - which makes it unique.

In the military community everyone knows and understand what it is like to be separated - no matter for how long. Time is relative. What isn’t - is how you deal with it, how you grow, and what you learn.

Many years ago, before Ryan and I got married, we went through our first deployment while I was still living in Russia, working full time. I thought it would make it easy, make the time go by faster and sometimes it absolutely did. But there were times when the concept of time was my biggest enemy as it dragged on, and I lived in the future instead of experiencing the world around me. Eventually I learned to adapt and I think that was my biggest take away. Many years and reunions later I feel like there is nothing I can’t adapt to, and if you know me well, you will agree. Moving countries, homes, nationalities, it is all one big blur to me as I go through all of it as I do through my outfits - there are some occasional mishaps and freak-outs but generally I tend to think I get it right and everything is ok.

When Ryan got orders to go on this deployment I was happy for him (though I didn’t want him to leave) as it was a training one in Germany - and again if you know me, I am dying to go back as I loved our life there. He got to travel and see our friends and family while I was back here working and being just a bit jealous but none the less happy for his adventures. And then COVID-19 hit. All of us across the world were on stay at home orders and trying not to go insane while being alone, so I adapted - I found a new business opportunity that got me through, dedicated time to education and growth and eventually came out of it being better equipped for life than I think I ever was. For the first time ever, time felt like it was flying. I had less hours in a day than I needed to get everything I wanted done. And before I got a chance to realize it - Ryan was coming home.

His welcome home was originally supposed to be simple and typical - a pickup at the airport (as I have done numerous times before) with a home cooked meal and his dogs waiting for him at home. But I got asked so many times what I am doing for his return that I started to question myself. It seemed like I need something grand to show Ryan how much I missed him and yet I couldn’t do a typical homecoming as it just isn’t like us (if you know Ryan, he hates any kind of pageantry or display that makes him a center of attention). Being a veteran in homecoming department (I photographed hundreds of them for other spouses and have gone through them myself way too often) I knew what a grand welcome home looked like but nothing seemed fitting to US and who Ryan is - so I brainstormed. Eventually with time flying I decided to ask for help and our mutual friends got involved. Some truly Ryan-style ideas were passed around and finally one seemed to be the most perfect one to do to greet Ryan back with everyone he cares for around. However, a few days before the return I learned another valuable life lesson. What seemed important to me, was just that - only important to me. A special welcome wasn’t special to anyone else so I decided to scratch the whole idea and go with my gut - few cute decorations (I knew Ryan won’t even notice them though) and a nice meal at home - simple and also appreciated after a whole day of traveling.

Little did I know that while I was brooding over my failed original surprise, others, who grew to appreciate me, staged a surprise for me - complete with a beautiful welcome-home sign to take to the airport, photography of the event and a Kiev cake (if you have never had one, order one from a baker you know because it IS to die for, and if In Texas, I tagged the amazing Brittany who will gladly make you one).

Getting Ryan from the airport this time around was unlike any other time - my neighbors showed up to document the event, with masks and awkward kisses and a very anti-climatic reunion with the dogs. When we drove up to the house, everyone was on the lawn waiting to say their welcome homes and it truly felt special. So again, lesson learned - don’t overthink it, because what is meant to be, will be.

CAKE :BRITTANY HALL OF MORGAN PEARL CAKES

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO: JUSTIN & AMBER RAMIREZ

SIGN: IRMA ESPINOZA

BALLOONS: DOLLAR TREE

DECOR: KIRKLAND’S