Home for the holidays

 Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
HOLIDAY HOMECOMING — Mary-Ann Holmes, left, said having her son Jeffrey home from Afghanistan for Christmas is “a blessing in more ways than one.” With her, from left, are her husband, Chris, daughter Rebekah, son Jeffrey and son Joseph.
Soldier’s homecoming is Christmas blessing
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Jeffrey Holmes’ family knew he was scheduled to be back in Houlton to celebrate Christmas with them after a year-long tour of duty in Afghanistan. They were aware of the dangers and of what could go wrong. Finally, he stepped off the plane in Bangor three weeks ago. “We really watched the calendar tick off. And, we all went down to Bangor to see him come in,” his father, Chris Holmes, explained. “I’m very proud that he has served our country and that he has made it home safe.” Holmes’ mother, Mary-Ann, said: “I‘m elated because even though we knew in June that he would be home, something could have happened.”
A perfect moment
    Recreating the moment when her son arrived, Mary-Ann described how crowds at the airport blocked the family’s view as the soldiers stood in formation. “Everybody who was taller than us, stood in front of us and we couldn’t find him.” She said good Samaritans handed out roses to the returning servicemen.
    “Then, he came up from behind me and touched me on my shoulder. That moment was perfect.” Jeffrey said: “I was so excited to see her and so glad to be home.”
    Jeffrey’s younger sister, Rebekah, was also in Bangor for her brother’s arrival and said “it was really good to see him. I had been missing him a lot and I was glad to see him home.”
    Joseph, his younger brother, revealed that he had some apprehensions about the overseas assignment. “I was worried when he first left. But, I knew he was pretty street-smart and he would know how to handle himself. Still, you can’t help but worry.”
    Jeffrey’s parents agreed that support from local families was comforting while their eldest child was overseas in one of the world’s most dangerous hot spots. “From a parent’s point of view, there were several people in this area with family overseas who gave us great support. People were very good to us,” Mary-Ann recalled.
Mom’s cooking and more
    The perks of being home for Jeffrey extend beyond the love and affection of his family and friends. As far as Christmas dinner goes, Jeffrey said he wants what you don’t get in the Army mess hall: “Mom’s home cooking is what I look forward to most and I can’t wait for the turkey.” His mother said he will have all the traditional food he loves. “Everything will be on table — things you cannot get in Afghanistan like turkey, potatoes, squash, stuffing and pies.”
    Chris said he and his wife and “have large extended families so there will be lots of family around at Christmas.” There will also be lots of presents. Mary-Ann said “there’s a lot under the tree for Jeffrey. Last year he got three presents because he was leaving. So, this year we’re making up for it.”