Elder Hatch

My missionary spoke on Sunday.  He talked about the Restoration and pondering and asking.

He did such an amazing job.  I mean seriously, amazing job!  And that's not just my biased mothering talking.  He even had the bishopric wiping their eyes.  He is going to be a powerful missionary, he knows how to teach.  And to testify with the power of the Holy Ghost to confirm the truthfulness of his message.

After his talk he sang "Still, Still, Still" with his friends for the intermediate hymn - a'capella - with a four part harmony.  It was breath taking-ly beautiful.  Like "let's just be quiet for a minute - to take that all in" kind of beautiful. 

Two days later on December 17th, we dropped him off at the airport.  

We woke at 3:00am to make his flight on time and were home again in time for the kids to catch the bus for school.

I'd been dreading "d" day, afraid my heart might burst in two.  I'd purposely not pondered too much on his leaving.  When I'd purchased milk with the same expatriation date as his departure date, I'd just push it to the back of my mind and refuse to think on it. 

When moments struck a chord in my heart: such as "this will be the last hair cut I give him" or "this will be the last time we eat dinner or pray together as a family" - again I'd push it to the back of my mind and refuse to think about it.  

But then it happened.  We were at the airport and he was leaving.  My perfect little family was braking up, my nucleus. My world.  My first little bird was flying, leaving my nest. 

 And I was bracing myself for the emotional crisis.

But you know what?

It didn't happen.

I stayed cool and composed. 

I hugged my boy and a few tears escaped. 

 

But there's been no sobbing.

No grief.

No mourning.

This boy of mine was so ready and excited to go.

To try his wings and fly.

And I guess, I'm too excited to see him progress, to learn and grow like never before.  

Oh, and he gets to learn Spanish, and if I'm honest, I'm a little jealous on that count. 

But, I've given him over to the Lord and he is gonna SOAR!