On my birthday, Friday, June 10, the judge told me to go home! I now have full access to my children with no restrictions.

It's over.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, and support throughout the past year. It's been an unbelievably difficult year, but God has sustained us with every breath. We truly are in the palm of His hands.

From my personal journal that I keep for my kids. This entry is dated July 27, 2010:

Daniel, yesterday mommy told me that you asked, “What can I buy daddy for $16 for his homecoming party?” You only have $16 to your name right now, and you’re wanting to spend it all on me when I come home. You’re such a sweet boy; I love you so much. I don’t know what God’s plan is, but it feels like I’m on the shore of an ocean, and you’re on the shore on the other side -- the distance feels so far.

Daniel hopped on his bike and started riding today, sans training wheels. Brandi texted me a photo and a quote from Daniel: "The faster I pedal the faster this goes!"

That made me happy.

I dreamed about you, Daniel. I was leaving a Sunday morning service at church. There were people all around, squeezed so close together, trying to get out of one door. Suddenly a little child fell down behind me. He was flat on his stomach and no one was picking him up. So I reached down to pick him up, and after I picked him up, I saw you behind him. I was kneeling down, face to face with you. You cried big tears, and said, “Daddy, I miss you.” I held you, looked at your face, and said, “I know, Daniel. I miss you too, but I promise I’ll come home as soon as I can.”

The dream seamed real. I could hear your sweet voice so clearly, and I could see your face right in front of me -- you were so close to me. I was simultaneously full of joy and sorrow. I would have wanted to stay in that dream for a long time, but the pain was so intense that it woke me up.

I’m sorry you’re having to go through this. I know you miss me. Please know I miss you too, and I think about you every day, all of the time. One day we’ll be together again, Daniel. I love you.