Have you ever been on a rollercoaster and wished you could get off, but yet you are enjoying yourself when you're not upside down or plunging straight down? I'm currently on a rollercoaster. I'm fine at times and feel like I'm just rolling along and then . . . . . I'm going straight down and I'm screaming that I want off. Let me explain. Doug and I took our son, Brent, to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on Wednesday. We didn't just walk in and look around. We left him there. Not for a week or even for a couple of months, but 24 months. THAT'S TWO YEARS!!!
We started on January 19th leaving Sky Harbor Airport. Melissa & Aaron were there for the send off. Oh how I knew this was going to be hard for Melissa and Brent. They are the best of friends and love each other very much. She is much stronger and braver than I am. 
We arrived at Salt Lake City and after getting our rent-a-car, we headed for our hotel, which just happened to be across from the Salt Lake City Temple.
We were able to do a lot of sightseeing.
We went around Temple Square (the Temple was closed, so we weren't able to go in). We attended a concert in the Tabernacle, took a tour of the Conference Center (amazing!), took a tour of the Church Office Building, took a tour of Brigham Young's house, went through the Joseph Smith Memorial, went to the cemetary and saw where President Hinckley, President McKay and President Kimball are buried. We ate at the Lions House (yummy rolls) and just had a really good time. We were freezing the entire time and Brent commented how thankful he was that he was serving a mission in Peru where it is warm and not in a place like Utah where he knew he would freeze to death.
Then we went to the MTC in Provo.
Doug and I were told this would be hard and well even though I tried to prepare myself, it was almost unbearable. I mean here I was standing next to this wonderful, righteous and worthy young man who had set a goal when he was very, very young that he would serve the Lord one day when he was old enough and that day was here. Tell me, is there anything better than that?
(This is Brent with his good friend Heath Hoffman who reported the same day and is going to Halifax, Canada)Of course I am proud and I am happy, but I am missing him terribly. I have this pain in my heart that I just can't explain. I wrestled with him in the hotel Tuesday night (Doug was worried somebody was going to get hurt and that we were going to get kicked out) and thought - no more of this for sometime. What will I do on Tuesday nights - those were our dinner/date nights? I know, I know, I am not the only mother of a missionary and it is only two years. But in my little world, I am the only mother of a missionary and two years is forever.
I know my "little boy" is being watched and cared for and that he is going to be an awesome missionary. I have said this before, but I'll say it again, I know that Brent is one of Heavenly Father's favorites and he will be Brent's constant companion and for that ~ I am eternally grateful.
.jpg)
8 comments:
Dear Lori; I cried the whole way through you Post. I have gone through the same things you did, with two sons and all ny Grandsons (11) except one. I still have one grandson to go. And so many greatgrandsons and 4 GreatGreat Grandsons, I don't have time to count right now. The ferelings are real and I agree with you it hurts. I remember when Dean left for Argentina I commented that LDS Mothers were the craziest on earth. They plan for and teach their boys to go on mission all the time they are growing up and then cry for the two years they are gone..I know it is not that we aren't happy and are4 very grateful that they are worthy to go. It is just so hard to send them off for two years. Right now Gena's secone son is serving in the Manchester, New Hampshire mission which includes the whole State of Maine. Right now he is on the coast of Maine. Very possible the coldest place in the United States, unless it is Alaska. Your pictures were so nice and I enjoyed them all. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Lots of love
Aunt Helen
Oh Lori! I wish I had know when you were going to be there! I would have come over and given you and Doug a great big hug!
What you are feeling is normal and it will get better! Just wait until the first letter comes and then the ones from the field! You will be full of the spirit for two whole years and you will get an amazing grown man in return when he comes home!
My 13 year old son in the last grandson left that Mom was talking about. I have already sent one daughter but I think about sending him, my last, my baby and I cry about it already!! We'll keep you all in our prayers! Keep us posted!
Brent is the perfect ending to Grandma's legacy of grandson's to go on missions.
He will be excellent, and though it was hard (I remember bawling my eyes out when Greg and Kent left) it looks like you guys were able to make some nice memories before sending him off. Can't wait to hear all his awesome experiences!!!
Loved the post and so glad we got to see these pics! I cried...not only because I will miss Brent....but I couldn't help thinking of sending my boys on their missions. I know it is a long way off....but it will be here before I know it. Brent will be wonderful!
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing these tender moments. Love you guys!
Worth the read. Loved the pictures! You are both awesome.
memories what memories, It doesn't seem that long ago, that we sent Nathan and Mallory off at the same time. The blessings flowed for two years and it went by FAST. I kept busy with church while they were gone. I read "Jesus The Christ" every day for two years so I could be as spritual as my Missionaries. We learned even more about each other through email each week. I'll be again, in the same boat as you in Sept. so save a paddle for me. Debbie Crandell
Thankyou dor your comment. I am so thankful to know someone that is going through it. I don't think any woman out there know how hard it is without going through this experience. I love Melissa and I know she will be a mom soon. I see this happening to the moms that desire it so greatly. In a way I am thankful because it will make me appreciate them more when they do enter our life.
Your missionary is adorable. What a fun thing! I will keep him in our prayers.
Post a Comment