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OREM -- The community lined Main Street with American flags Monday afternoon to show support for a family that has faced gut-wrenching challenges in the last week.
As the family prepares to bury one son, they welcomed another one home from the war in Afghanistan.
"This last week, it's been a surreal situation," said Troy Peterson, their father.
As friends and neighbors gathered and waited the brilliant sun battled a biting wind. Dozens of American flags fluttered in the stiff breeze. Yellow ribbons dangled in many trees.
It was a homecoming that drew out many different mixed emotions: joy and gratitude, but also sorrow and disbelief. But everyone wanted to be there, waiting in front of the Peterson's home.
The crowd gathered in anticipation of the soldier's arrival: A chance to welcome Army Private First Class Anthony Peterson home from a year in Afghanistan, and show their love for the family.
When he finally drove up to the house with his wife and newborn baby, the crowd cheered. The soldier's mother threw her arms around his neck.
"This has been absolutely wonderful," Troy Peterson said.
"I wasn't expecting this," said the soldier, as the crowd of neighbors laughed. "I was expecting to come home and relax for a couple of days."
But for the Peterson family, it's been a week to forget, and a week to remember. The Petersons have felt a lot of raw emotions.
"There's no words to describe it, none at all," said Teresa Peterson, the soldier's mother. "We're just glad to have him home safe and back with us."
On the same day one son got back to the states from his tour in Afghanistan, a younger brother took his own life. Private Peterson had just returned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri last week, when his parents had to tell him his 17-year-old brother, Jeremy, had committed suicide.
Teresa Peterson said her younger son was depressed, and received a negative text message that prompted him to suicide. She shares words of caution and warning for others who might send hurtful messages without knowing a person's state of mind.
"If you have something mean or negative to say, say it to their face, don't do it over the phone, or in text messaging," she said.
But, the gathering today gave the family new strength to face the coming burial. When the right words are hard to find, the right actions mean plenty.
"I love it," said Teresa Peterson. "I love that people would come out and show support for our son and his service."
Troy Peterson called it "a happy day in the middle of a very dark week." He was astounded by the outpouring of love from his neighborhood.
"It helps us know that that's there's so much love and support, one, for the military, and two, for us as a family."
