With the television on, all the Lowry family could do was watch and wait.

“Obviously, this is the biggest day. If they are going to want to do things and hurt our people, and hurt their people, this is the day that they are going to do it,” says the Marine's sister, Elisa Magnunson.

From the comfort of their couch they were dissecting this historic day, a day their 24-year-old son, Lance Corporal William Magnunson, played a part in.

“He called because he knew that we were probably really worried about him this week," says the Marine's mother, Chris Lowry. “He was actually very confident, he said they have their town locked down. Those were his words.”

And those words brought some relief despite reports of suicide bombers and insurgent attacks.

“These guys have been over there. We've lost wonderful young men and women for this election day, and to not have this election be as successful as it was, would have had our fallen troops -- their loss -- would have been in vain,” tells Lowry.

For the last several months, the Lowry's have had yellow ribbons in their front yard in hopes of their son's safe return. Now that election day has come and gone they hope that return will come even sooner.

“We want him to come home, we want them all to come home," she says.

They hope this election does hasten the process, but while they wait, this family relies on e–mails like the one they received last week. It was filled with dozens of pictures. Some tell a story of comradery, others of combat -- in whole the collection of snapshots reminds the Lowry's of the good work their Marine is doing.

“More than anything it makes me proud. I'm just overwhelmed with pride for my brother, knowing that he is apart of something that is going to effect people forever,” says Elisa Magnunson.

Lance Corporal William Magnunson left in September and is scheduled to come home in April.