So today was the day. My alarm went off at 6 a.m. and I've been going ever since. We arrived at 7:55 at which time I walked his box of clothing to the guard booth.Dante has been gone since September 2009 ... a long time!
For about a hour and a half mama #2 Lisa, Dante's brother from another father and mother, Charles and I waited patiently as visitors arrived for visitation and other inmates were released. That was truly the longest 90 minutes ever! Dante had no idea his brother was with us so we knew it was going to be an awesome homecoming. I told Charles when we see him to hide, I wanted to see my son overwhelmed with happiness on his first day home.
Dante requested an all white outfit so I knew what to be looking for. As Lisa and I stood on the sidewalk talking and waiting we spot the all white outfit and Charles immediately took cover. There were screams, tears and hugs between Lisa, Dante and I when he reached the covered shelter area at which point I reminded him of the surprise.
I pointed around the corner and the joy on his face when he saw Charles brought on more tears. He looked at me and said "Mom you did that!" There was an internal smile as big as the external smile as I watched the brothers exchange family love. I hated we couldn't catch it on video. We were all made to put our cell phones back in the vehicle.
The feeling of having my son leave the prison with me truly reminded me of birth. After years (hours of labor) awaiting his arrival (delivery) he was finally birthed from the belly of the judicial beast! June 1ST my baby boy was reborn and I promise you it was like leaving Portsmouth General back in April 1989 with my first born.
His first day home he wanted IHOP so that's where we headed, his first meal as a free man. He enjoyed the comforts of home with friends, family, a glass of Remy and his daughters. They were so happy to see their daddy at home and the sounds of Daddy Daddy Daddy was so joyful. I think he's going to do a great job as a father.
I am so grateful for the people GOD strategically placed in my life, especially those who've turned out to be more than a reason or season but instead a lifetime. Thank you Lisa and Charles for sharing in such an AWESOME event, all that was missing was my baby girl.
Continue to pray with and for us as the REAL test is about to begin but I dare not fear. I can do ALL things through Christ that strengthens me.
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