18 years ago, plus a few months, I started praying that my little boy would grow up and serve a mission. We always talked about when he would go, not if. I begged the Lord to help me be the mother I needed to be and teach him all he needed to learn to better serve. I've dreamed and planned for this day for his entire life!
So WHY DOES IT HURT SO BAD???? I'm so confused. I wouldn't have it any other way, but it's killing me. I have had many people try and prepare me, but I just didn't understand. I don't cry, much at least. My sisters let me know that I have no soul because I can sit dry eyed through most anything. I knew I would be sad, and of course cry a little. Boy was I shocked.
I was able to stay mostly composed while I could see my Ryan still. But I'm sure the people around me thought someone died when I lost it after no longer being able to see him at all in the airport. It was horrible! I cried most of the way home. I cried through the night. I spent most of the day crying, cleaning, and wearing Ryan's favorite hoodie. I miss my boy something fierce!
He's the best big brother to these boys ever!
We tracked his flight until it landed :)
We even waited on a side road until his actual flight flew away. All of us were jumping up and down and waving as he flew over us. I'm sure he didn't see us but it helped me tons.
Aunt Juanita gave a perfect shock surprise with giant fritters that weighed more than my little 1 year old :).
Walking in was so hard. Who am I kidding?! Everything was so hard!
Starting at about 4 am I kept checking my email every couple of minutes. He is 2 hours ahead of me after all. Just before 8, my time, I finally got an email.
Hopefully that Tuesday email will contain a lot more info :). It wasn't much but I count my blessings that I heard from my boy!
We had an amazing last week with him. Saturday David baptized Kevin and Ryan confirmed him. Sunday I got to listen to my Elder C speak with such a great spirit that I was sure he wouldn't speak any better when he gets home. He amazes me! Monday we packed, went bowling, and then he was set apart as a full time missionary. After that we went home and had him give each one of us a priesthood blessing. That was by far one of the most spiritual things I've ever experienced. I LOVE the priesthood! Then Tuesday we had to say goodbye and Ryan had his first plane ride ever.
Elder Christensen is in Bogotá Colombia!
And his mommy is trying to figure out how on earth thousands of moms do this and live! He's in the Lords hands, I wouldn't change any of it. Well except the hurt, that would be ok to have gone.
Here's to the next 24 fast Sunday's!
(I'm not even going to think about how David is less than 18 months from leaving and that I have 7.5 straight years of this ahead of me with a short break before I have another 2.)
No comments:
Post a Comment