A couple of pictures from Bill (and Omar)'s Farewell. We gave Bill a ride, and stayed for the wait. It was as festive an experience as it could be. The base, and the volunteers went way overboard in trying to make it a good experience for everyone. We met some more of Bill's friends, and I remembered to bring my camera (and actually use it). So here are some of the pictures.
The girls wanted to help Bill carry some of his stuff from his truck to our car. Problem is that his bags were sooo full that there wasn't anything anywhere near light enough for them to even try. So instead they just kept him company instead.
Who do the girls use for free rides, and a mobile jungle gym?? Bill!! Dahlia was totally freaking out, and I am surprised she managed a smile long enough for the picture. She lasted about 10 seconds after the picture was taken before she had to come down.
Here is Bill with us a couple of minutes before they formed up to get on the plane. Right about now Dahlia and Bobbie have collected about 50 candy bars. They volunteers there that arranged for, and helped to serve the food were giving away the bottled water, and candy by the handfuls near the end. I made fun of one of the other mom's there (she was wishing Bill off, and her brother in law as well) and her kids had filled their hands, and her purse full, and them some more. Seems that karma got me back a little later in the evening.
Not really sure what is going through Dahlia's mind, but it makes for a really funny picture!! I think that she thinks she is smiling. I was too busy trying not to laugh as I took the picture.
Bobbie and Dahlia collected so many bottles of water (every time one of the volunteers came by giving out bottles of water they took more). One of Bill's friends and I emptied a lot of them out into Bill's camelpak. As Bill was gearing up Bobbie discovered that Bill had his camelpak, and desperately needed a drink of water . . right then . . . but only from his camelpak. Dahlia was there taking her turn a few seconds later.
The girls were very excited to see Omar. He was the one that we called to help Mom and Dad move their old china hutch into my place at Fairstone. The girls (as well as most of the other kids at church) have a huge crush on Omar. He is such an awesome person.
The girls and some of Omar's nieces and nephews rubbing his head . . maybe for luck. . .or maybe because it feels funny. . . or could be because it makes all of the adults giggle when they do. What you can't see is Michelle (Omar's wife) sitting right behind him about to fall over laughing. This was the best picture I could take since everyone was wiggling around.
Sorry for the bad picture. Bobbie took a picture of the plane as it was starting to take off. With the flash you can mostly see the concrete between us and the plane. I cropped it off, and this was what was left. But the sentiment is there.
It was an honor to be able to be there with Bill and his friends (and Omar with his family) to show them that we support them, and wish them well during their deployment to Iraq!!
