This has been one of the toughest weeks of my life!
Tuesday night, we went to the Stake Center and listened as Brad was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a beautiful, exciting, sad, happy, anxious, emotional day for all of us! I was SO proud of him and his decision to serve a mission and some of my tears were happy, proud parent tears...but I have to admit that some of them were sad tears - sad that he won't be with us to hike on Memorial Day, sad that he will miss 2 years worth of family reunions, sad that he won't be here to watch the 4th of July fireworks on grandma's lawn, sad that he won't be here to celebrate birthday's or Halloween or Thanksgiving, sad that we will be on a cruise for Christmas without him, etc... BUT I'm also happy for him and for the new and exciting things he will get to experience in the West Indies in the next two years.
He had both sets of grandparents and a couple of aunts and uncles at the stake center to support him and send him off with hugs and well-wishes. We are SO grateful for the love and support of our families!
Wednesday morning he packed his bags and we were on our way to Provo!
We made one stop to snap a quick picture for the missionary wall at church - we didn't have any pictures of him in a suit and tie for his missionary plaque! This picture always makes me a little teary. He really looks like a missionary!
We met up with Jeff at Sizzler for lunch and then headed to the temple grounds to take a few pictures before we drove over to the MTC.
This picture always starts my tears again - We got all of his luggage out and then I gave him a hug. He told me how much he loved me and that he was going to be alright. And I know that - but it's still hard!!
I was kind of a mess...and I hate this picture...and I might take it off...later. Let me grieve!
He said goodbye to his dad and then he was escorted away - ready to begin his service as a missionary!
I have to say - it's been a full 24+ hours and I still get teary when someone asks me how I'm doing or when I look at these pictures, but there is NO WHERE else that I would rather have him right now. I know that he is doing what he's supposed to be doing and going where he's supposed to be going...It's just such a hard day for mom!
Love you Brad!
5 comments:
Wow Jodi, I can't believe Brad is old enough to go on his mission. I remember taking Brandon to the MTC and how hard it was to leave him. it has been 2 years and it still makes me cry. But on the bright side he is married now and just got a little boy three weeks ago. Your family is growing up and are so cute.
What an exciting day. I think missionary letters are the best. And if you didn't care so much it wouldn't be so hard - Brad is sure lucky to have you as a mom.
Jodi! We love you! I know you are strong! I'm not sure I can do this! I came across this blog... I am pretty sure you've already seen it but just in case http://thewestindiesmission.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-24T10%3A39%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7. Marks nephew went in the MTC that same day. He is going to st Louis Spanish! Come see us!
He's going to be so great. I'm excited for him (but still secretly sad for all of us left behind!)
Oh, and I LOVE the pic of you crying. Don't ever take it down.
I haven't been on here in almost a year. I actually got on to see what the book was for book group. I am glad that I stopped and read your post. I started crying for you! Wonderful pictures! Brad will be a great missionary!!
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