There are the moments that define us as fellow humans – moments that remind us we are all in this together, moments that reveal our great capacity to love.
About a year ago as I waited for a flight back home for the holidays, I saw a young soldier saying his goodbyes to his family. Just minutes earlier, I was grumpily going through the standard airport security routines. You know the drill – taking off your shoes, removing your laptop from its case, fiddling with your watch…these are the things that troubled my life. You can imagine then – the instant shift in gratitude that was born from watching that young man’s departure. My woes had been put in their place.
On Monday, we saw the good on the other side of those kinds of stories. Captain Mitch Marzo was coming home – to a crew of family and friends who would hold signs at the top of that escalator at DIA we all know so well – the one you’ve always hoped would have a sign for you. Mitch was coming home to the shaking of hands by strangers on the train from the terminal. He was coming home to the claps of a holiday travelers who never expected that kind of giggle cry at Gate A26 on a Monday. But most importantly, Mitch was coming home to a welcome from his biggest, albeit shortest, fans – his daughters. And his wife – who waited the beautiful wait with grace.
Mitch was one of the last soldiers to leave Iraq.
And knows he is one of the lucky ones. In his return, he reminds us there are still countless service members around the world still risking their lives every day. There are daughters who are still waiting on dad to come home, mothers praying for their sons, wives who wait. And there are those who now serve from above – who made the greatest sacrifice.
I know we can’t make that wait end overnight. But what we can do is love. love with all we have. love the kind of love that is abundant in gratitude and inspired by giving.
Thank you Mitch. You remind us today that we have much to be grateful for – and that the world is filled with great great love.
If you would like to honor those who have served, please consider making a donation in gratitude.
The Aaron Grider Foundation : Our dear friend Brittany lost her husband in Afghanistan on his 30th birthday. With strong conviction that hope endures, she dedicates her life helping widows and orphans of the fallen through service-based missions. “While grief and pain are exhausting, service is life-giving.”
The Wounded Warrior Project : We first learned of this non-profit through our clients Kate & Tyler who made a donation to the WWP on behalf of each wedding guest. The WWP provides programs and services to injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life.
With incredible gratitude for the beautiful capacity for love and service in this world,
Katie, Matt & Jenna
Thank you for sharing this – so beautiful! I’m sobbing! Thank you to all those that serve and their strong families!
Wow. How often you leave me speechless!
This is by far my favorite thing you’ve shared on your blog!! With a cousin in the Marines and a brother-in-law in the Army, both currently serving their 3rd tours in Afghanistan right now, this really tugged at my heart strings…especially seeing so much of my sister-in-law in this beautiful wife! So so so awesome that you captured this for his family! Love y’all!
Wow. I am sobbing at work. Thank you Mitch and to all who serve and continue to protect our freedom and safety. What a beautifully told story.
Thank you. xoxojenna
WOW! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so grateful. And so impressed! I love that you suggested a few ways to donate — and other soldiers. You are so gifted, and also such a gift. Thank you, Katie.
PS – I think everyone should know, that Katie and Matt did not let me pay them a dime for their work that night. They are such a gift. And I am so, incredibly grateful. I am so blessed this holiday season – I’m humbled. With love, the sobbing woman awaiting her husband.
It is amazing to think about the path. Thank you for helping us along the journey.
What a beautiful photo essay Katie, Matt and Jenna. You really captured the moment and the months that came before too. Thank You and Merry Christmas. Janel
BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I am so happy for them!
Powerful stuff, great work!
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