This morning we woke up to 8 inches
8 INCHES PEOPLE
of snow.
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That's when I knew for sure...
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that Jack would have no problem saying goodbye.
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Last night he was set apart (given a special blessing) to become a full time missionary. Afterward we went to dinner as a family at his favorite local restaurant & then- he got serious about finishing up the packing (how do you pack for 2 years?!)
{ on the way to the airport}Yesterday he spent the day saying goodbye to friends, shopping for last minute details, watching his favorite movie with Brian (Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid), showing Chloe how to use his/her phone... etc.
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This guy was
seriously ready. to. go.
These past couple of months have been hard for him.
NOt much to do- working here & there for people- spending some time with friends- they are busy with college-
Brett & I wondered this morning if we should've made him go to school another semester & leave afterward, but I know he wouldn't have had it that way. He was ready to go.
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Excited & willing.
Like, he has been preparing for this his whole life.
Really- he was that excited.
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He's not the kind of kid that shows a lot of emotion- let's just say he's not animated like his mother- but none the less I could tell he was ready & thrilled for his turn at serving a mission.
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It's hard to be sad when you've got a boy like this.
Shoot-
I'm not sad.
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Just so proud of him.
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He has studied & prayed & he knows this is what he wants/needs to do.
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What more can I say?
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I keep thinking of all those people in Brazil.
How many tall red heads are there in Brazil?
Like, none?!
He's definitely going to get attention.
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He's got a message to share.
Now is his time.
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When he gets home
it's back to college- a career- a wife- a family.
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But for now-
he is in the right place
doing the right thing
and I couldn't be happier for him.
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I love you jack.
Be safe.
And remember- no matter how old
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or how tall
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or how independent
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you get
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you will always be
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my boy...
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come home to your mom
okay?
God Bless You
13 comments:
i can't help but think back to the post you wrote just over two years ago when brian was leaving. what fantastic boys - your love for them is written all over your face :)
I loved seeing all of these pictures... He is going to be such a great missionary... Brazil is lucky to have him for the next couple of years.
Did Trent drive you crazy yesterday with all the updates of where his plane was? I thought it was cute!
He will do an awesome missionary. I am not looking forward to sending my boys off. I know I need to but that still doesn't make it any easier. Your family will be so blessed having him serve.
Not going to lie...I almost started crying while reading this. I would have been a mess at the airport. But he will be a great missionary!
I am CRYING, CRYING, CRYING!! But sooo dang proud to be part of your family!!
Then I have to giggle at Trent in his short and coon hat... just the ticket for 8 inches of snow!! LOL I adore his individuality!!
What a wonderful post... thank you for sharing this tender time with us!!
I am crying like a baby...what a neat kid and what a great missionary he will be. I am thinking of you...Love you!
I was doing ok until I saw the pictures of you and jack...crying, crying here. OH PATSY~ I can't imagine how a mom ever does this, you are amazing! Thanks for being a great example of mother hood. I have been thinking of you guys so much and so excited for jack! You're so right, he is right where he needs to be:)
oh my word - thanks for the big CRY over here at my house! i'm not even his mother! but "nobody cries alone in my presence" - dolly parton, and i am a sympathy crier. i've been thinking about you a ton - i am so proud of you and your awesome family. we are SO lucky to have you to look up to. i love those proud tears of yours.
you're going to have to peel me off the floor when my boys go. i'm a mess already.
I LOVE YOU - and your family, and jack, oh we love that jack!
Your missionary posts ALWAYS make me cry, and that's really saying something! He looks positively transformed into a missionary! He is going to do so great and so are you! You're a seasoned pro now right? This is painful joy of the best kind!
I'll bet Brian is wishing he could trade places with Jack.
I'm sure thinking of you . . . ouch.
What a great post! I miss Jack already, but I am so excited for him. What a great guy!!
I hope my boys are this excited when it is their turn!!
How DO you pack for two years?
Spring in Utah is insane.
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