Greeting Son at airport?

Question

I guess only a parent could answer this question so here goes :)

My son will be arriving home for exodus on the 20th. I had planned to make a big to do about his arrival at the airport, balloons, signs, the whole family, but I've heard differing opinions on whether to do this or not. My work associates say to not draw attention to him when he arrives, as he will be tired and cranky from his trip, my family think that I should pull out all the stops and give him a "hero's" welcome. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

HEartstrings if you see this, i just saw your edit to my last question. I actually didn't find you really, more like saw your answers to prior questions and they stuck with me :)
Looking forward to hearing from you...how did you fare in the blizzard of last week?

COACH
Here at MSP they allow you to wait at the baggage claim. There is a rather large glass door where they disembark from the planes and continue onto the baggage claim. I don't think it'll be a problem

Answer 1

your his mother. DO IT! just keep the fanfare short and not TOO crowded. Save a big dinner party for a day or so so he can rest for a few hours, take a shower, adjust to the time zone stuff like that. i say 10-15 people at the airport, then plan something for the next day. this way he gets the welcome home party twice.

Answer 2

well you do what you want if it was my son I would alert the media. A HERO is coming home throw the biggest party ever at the airport but when you get home let him have time to rest then throw another party at your house for the family to come over to. I know that is what I did for my husband when he came back. He was so excited about being home to see everyone but he was ready to go home and rest then the third day we had a huge cookout with the family and close friends. Good Luck

Answer 3

I personally would leave the big welcome home to-do for home. For example, when DH got home from Iraq this time I went to the hangar with no signs, nothing on his truck. At home I had up some red, white and blue ribbons and a welcome home banner (which I took down the next morning). Even that much was a little bit over-kill to him. My husband hates it when I make a big deal when he comes home, he gets really embarrassed. Especially if it's at a civilian airport and he's the only one (or one of just a few) soldier there. People always want to talk to him and ask him questions and all kinds of stuff. He just wants to see his family, not deal with Joe Public's inquiries and stares. For example, when DH got home from Iraq this time I went to the hangar with no signs, nothing on his truck. At home I had up some red, white and blue ribbons and a welcome home banner (which I took down the next morning). Even that much was a little bit over-kill to him. This is just my opinion as an Army wife. My mother-in-law, on the other hand, gets really upset when he doesn't receive stuff like that well. She wants (as I'm sure you do) to make sure he knows how loved he is and how proud she is of him. In his mind, just seeing his family is enough, he doesn't need all the fanfare. It is probably more dependant on his personality than anything - if he loves being the center of attention, he may enjoy it. However, be prepared for everyone in the airport to want to talk to him when you just want him to yourself.

Answer 4

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. I'm not a parent, but i've been there to greet my hubby many times at airports and such... It's not like he comes home from Iraq everyday and he deserves a big welcome. However, if you think he would be bothered by all the attention, stay subtle, but you know him best and are the best judge of this. Seems like you're very proud... :)

Answer 5

As long as you don't think it would embarrass him it would be fine. You don't want to embarrass him in front of other military (his friends perhaps) if they will be present. Like Bart Simpson said, "Mom, you're embarrassing me in front of the Army guys!" You might consider throwing this hero party at home rather than the airport. It's a tough call and all families are different.

Answer 6

I'm on the side of a full out welcome home party that begins the minute he gets off the plane. He's been doing a hard service and he deserves a whole bunch of recognition. You wouldn't want him to slip in unnoticed and deny other people at that airport the chance to say thank you.

Answer 7

What we did for my husband was have all that stuff at home so when he walked in it was there and we had signs all over the door for him. Personally I wasn't wanting anything to hold onto because I wanted to have my arms free to give him a huge hug!

Answer 8

Ah, go for it! If that was my daughter stepping off the plane I'd be doing the same thing. if your son is tired you can carry the balloons for him. I'm sure he'd appreciate the outporuing of affection. I mean, good god, you're his mom! Moms do stuff like that!

Answer 9

You're son is going to be happy to be home, but you're right, he's gonna be exhausted. He'd probably be more happy with seeing his whole family rather than the whole airport seeing him, his family, and all the decorations, lol. But, you know your son the best and know what he would like. Do what you feel he'd like, not what other's expect he'd like. God bless!

Answer 10

When I came home from Korea, my family was at the airport with signs, balloons, and funny hats. My son jumped up on me an cried, "Miss you, daddy. Miss you, daddy..." It is probably my happiest memory.