We took Elder McGregor to the Sacramento Airport this morning and got him all checked in then watched him go up the escalator to Security. We have enjoyed the time with him here at home. When he came home from BYU in December we assumed we'd get his mission papers in right away and he'd probably leave in February. Not so! He received his call Feb 13 and, of course, didn't leave until today. He and I have had plenty of time together and have enjoyed several temple trips, shopping for mission stuff, etc. Yesterday we went and saw Up, which was thoroughly enjoyable and a fun thing to do on his last day at home. I've been spoiled to be home with him during the day, unlike his Dad who is busy working so that we can go see movies ; ) (Thank you Bryon!)
Can I just say that my heart really goes out to mothers who put their sons on planes to head off without any further knowledge of when they arrive, how things went, etc. Having served a mission in South America myself I think it must be somewhat less nerve-wracking for me, although I do feel a deep emptiness knowing I won't be hearing from him when he arrives. In this world of cell phones and instant messaging it will take some getting used to. Of course, when I served in Ecuador it took two weeks for my letters to reach home and then two weeks for their reply to reach me (and only if the Ecuadorian postal system was not on one of its frequent strikes), so it's all relative, I suppose. Getting an email each week that just left his fingertips is an amazing thing.
I referred to an emptiness above, but that only applies to suddenly having all customary communication done with. I DO feel a great love and admiration for him and am so pleased with what a good person he is. He is confident, able, and has a great testimony of the restored Gospel. Plus he has a good sense of humor - always a bonus in my book.
Love you son! (ps - I'm finally crying).
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He will be a great missionary! I can't wait to hear his adventures and spiritual journey. I'm getting so mission homesick just thinking about it. You and Bryon are such great examples!
ReplyDeleteThank you Heidi!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! He looks so handsome in his suit. He is such an amazing young man and will be an amazing missionary. While we both know the growth and adventures that await him, it doesn't make it easier to see them leave. Thanks for sharing his experience with us!
ReplyDeleteSan, you deserve to cry. Just reading this post and looking at the pics brought so many memories flooding back. What an incredible time it is when a missionary boards the plane. I am so happy for Trent and for the whole family. I can't wait to read all about missionary life in Brazil.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to the whole family! And Sandra -- I have a theory: I think all that prep work that has to be done before your missionary can leave just makes it easier to see them go. You're so tired and annoyed at all the "legal" junk and notorizing that has to be done -- not to mention the $$$ -- that it's just nice to say "buh bye!" (j/k)
ReplyDeleteHere's to waiting expectantly by the computer each week.
-- Melody
Ha ha! There's a lot of truth in that. After Trent quit his job I was thinking, "Okay, it's time for him to get on his way..." And yes, the prep work can be a major pain.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed looking at Adam's blog today. :)
I have been sending my comments via email and now realize I should just 'post". So - I've already written to him - he'll be in the CTM the customary 8 weeks? That info is probably posted on the blog somewhere - sorry that I don't pay proper attention/have total recall... one of the two.
ReplyDeleteWith great anticipation for the months ahead.
¡felicitaciones!
Hey Jeanne -
ReplyDeleteGrazie! Yes, eight weeks. I know he will be happy to get snail mail from you. Do you send your two missionaries snail mail? I'm guessing they'd like that better than having to hurry and read emails and then type responses in the 30 or 60 minutes they have (is it 30 or 60?). Thanks for your support. Love!
Thank you Naomi Thank you Jesse!
ReplyDeleteRon sends a weekly email. I print the emails from each and mail a copy to the other S->D and D->S with my letter and letters from the kids. So they receive mail during the week and yes, do not consume their 60 minutes reading all of the email that I could otherwise send/forward. Sara really appreciates it - comments on it with a certain frequency. Plus, I enjoy the relatively longer letters.
ReplyDeletei like fent. Elder fent that is! He's going to be so great :). Wish I coulda been there... oh well, we'll make it out in 2 years! :D
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