OTTUMWA — Waiting. It’s a tough chore.

That’s especially true if your loved one has been away for several weeks and his bus is only 30 minutes away.

About 30 cars were in the Iowa National Guard Armory parking lot Thursday to welcome home soldiers of the 833rd Engineer Company. They’ve been training at Fort McCoy in southwest Wisconsin.

Sophie Brady of Ottumwa sat in her truck while she waited for her husband, Specialist Fourth Class Johnny Brady.

“He’s been gone two months and six days,” she said.

This is Johnny Brady’s “second hitch.” His longest time away from home was a 10-month stretch during his first tour of duty in Iraq.

Even after her husband’s 18 years of association with the military, she still counts the days.

Waiting with Brady were the couple’s children — Brett, 10, and Destini, 6. Also anxious to see Johnny Brady were his sister, former Ottumwan Lisa Wilson of Fairfield, and her son, Jessy James Wilson.

Brett and Destini Brady agreed on the first thing each would say to their father: “I love you.”

Jessy Wilson said he didn’t know what he was going to say to Uncle Johnny. He claimed he wouldn’t slug the soldier in the arm.

As the two buses rolled into the parking lot, cheers, waves and tears erupted among all the family members anxious for the soldiers to leave the buses.

The Brady family met Johnny close to the bus door and shared a group hug and lots of smiles.

After Johnny Brady stored his gear in the truck, he rested a few moments and kissed and hugged his wife again. Smiling, his first comment was about his loved ones.

“I like bein’ here with my wife and family. It’s been a long time,” he said.

The soldier has a three-day furlough before duty calls again.