OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
It's been a long wait for Christmas for one Owensboro family, but Wednesday, the wait was worth it for a special homecoming.
Stephanie Buchanan knows what it's like to raise six kids, including a new born, on her own.
"There are days that I look at things that I do, things that I did, things I was able to accomplish, and I can't tell you how I did that," said Buchanan.
Stephanie's husband has been in Afghanistan for a year, volunteering his time to create agriculture jobs for Afghans.
"We all help out around the house," said Buchanan's son, Tony.
On Wednesday, the youngest Buchanan, Jessi, had surgery and guess who was there to help out mom. Stephanie's husband Sergeant Darrell Buchanan, who is now back home for good.
"I don't have to worry about sitting in front of a computer anymore," said Buchanan.
"I get to see him and he can help me with my homework," said the Buchanan's daughter, Dallas.
Darrell missed some holidays while in Afghanistan, but one holiday his family refused to let him miss was Christmas.
"So that daddy can be here while we open presents," said Dallas.
Darrell says the day his wife told him their children would not open presents until he got home was an emotional one.
"I started tearing up a little bit," said Sgt. Buchanan. "I think the world's going to be a better place because of them. If they're like that now, I can't wait until their adults. We have it better here than a lot of people realize. Don't take the little things for granted."
Daughter Jessi is okay and back home after the same day surgery.
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