Soldier Return Brings Joy To Family

It's been quite a week for a Pryor family. One son and a daughter-in-law just returned from Iraq a few days ago. Now another son has made it home safe. News On 6 anchor Craig Day was there for the

Thursday, November 29th 2007, 4:37 pm

By: News On 6

It's been quite a week for a Pryor family. One son and a daughter-in-law just returned from Iraq a few days ago. Now another son has made it home safe. News On 6 anchor Craig Day was there for the happy homecoming.

Kim and Cindy Kelley, and their family and friends have longed for this day. They've waited 16 long months. They're nervous, they're excited, most of all they are relieved. Kim and Cindy's son, Jonathon, is coming home from Iraq.

"I think my heart stopped a while ago. Just hearing that the plane is circling overhead," said Cindy Kelley, Soldier's Mom.

"Not one day went by that we did not have a worry," said Kim Kelley, Soldier's Dad.

Kim Kelley has cancer and just got out of the hospital three days ago, after spending a month there. He didn't want to miss this day.

"That's the least of my worries. This guy is going to walk down this corridor here in a minute, that was my worry," said Kim Kelley.

This is quite a week for the Kelley's. Both Jonathon and his brother, Colt, served in Iraq. Colt returned to Texas three days ago. Now it will be Jonathon's turn.

"I am totally ecstatic, you know. I'm proud, a proud father," said Kim Kelley.

While the boys were gone, the family kept in touch with the sons with email, phone calls and by computer, but nothing can take the place of wrapping your arms around someone you love.

Finally, that moment came.

"Welcome home. Thank you Lord, thank you Lord," said Cindy with a hug and a salute from Kim, Jonathon is home.

"It's a good thing that we're both back now. I just thank God that we made it back alive," said Jonathan Kelley.

To now have both sons home, safe, is reason enough to celebrate. Theyâ€™re home in time for Christmas which makes it even more special.

"I'm happy. He's now my hero," said Kim Kelley.

Jonathon has decided to make the military a full-time career. He'll likely have to go back to Iraq at some point, but he's not sure when. Until then, he wants to spend as much time as he can with family.

Watch the video: Soldier Returns Home For Holidays

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