Reunion after 8 month Persian Gulf deployment |
Hello loved ones! On Novemebr 5, 2003 we reunited as a family. Marc returned from his Persian Gulf deployment after 8 months. Though Louis could not be present (a sophomore at the University of Idaho), the rest of the clan was on the pier to see the USS Princeton (CG 59) come back to homeport San Diego. Jan and Karen received roses from the command chaplain as a token of love to his wife of 21 years and senior daughter. Sons Isaac, Noah, and Lucas got hugs and kisses and all received gifts from various world ports visited during the deployment. While Marc was gone he missed five out of the other six family members birthdays as well as a wedding anniversary, he was most dissapppointed not being able to attend Isaac's and Noah's Rite of Confirmation. He left with one in college, one in high school, two in middle school, and one in elementary; he returned with one of the middle schoolers in high school. Also present were Marc's parents, father Greg and step-mom Paula DiConti, mother Dorothy and sted-dad Darwin Hannibal, brother Paul, sister Lorna and brother-in-law Tony Evensen with nieces Elena and Madeline, and long-time friend (dad's navy buddy) Gene Baca and wife Sally. Everyone in the homecoming party went to a local Mexican restaurant to get reacquainted; there was heartfelt sharing with laughter and tears before parting. Jan and Karen placed yellow ribbons on a front yard tree near the front door of the home for Marc's return. The fellowship aboard the ship (daily moring devotions and two Sunday services) and the weekly ministry participation at New Community Lutheran Chruch (LC-MS) in Temcula served as a solid foundation for spiritual and emotional support. We are all still enjoying the reunion and are most grateful for Jesus keeping everyone safe both stateside and in the Gulf and for sustaining the family spritually. |