This…my sweet “Bald Kid” is leaving us now, for the Missionary Training Center for three months–then on to Siberia–for two years.
I’m deeply proud of his willingness to serve, but—
oh, the ache in my heart.
Behind him it feels as if he’s left a huge gaping hole with no bottom.
The absence of him is in every corner of every room…socks–his socks…. bananas–he loves bananas… his aftershave… his car keys… his Viking quilt… and his kitty that can’t find him–anywhere.
Many moms are so-so perfect at this “sending them off into the great adventurous unknown” to work and serve and grow up. But, as you might expect, I’m not so good at it. Fact is—I’m a blubbering wreck.
I wander around the rooms and think, “I’m not ready for this. No. It’s happening too fast. I need more time…”
More time.
And yet, somehow I’m quite certain we will survive the away-ness of my baby boy–for the next two years–but…
I think…
just barely.
Be brave, and well and happy in your new world my dear, sweet boy, and know that our love and prayers and such a piece of your Mama’s heart are going with you…
till we’re together again.
That ache in your heart is because you’re such a good mom – every mom out there can feel your pain. But he will certainly do a lot of good out there – and his mom will be with him every moment – in spirit if not in person.
I am already dreading sending my boys out. I will have TWO out at the same time. Then right after both are home at last, I will be sending the other out shortly after.
I love the willingness that these boys have to serve and become great men. There is no better way to learn to serve others then being knee deep in it. Good Job Rhen. I know he is where he needs to be and will be blessed and your family will be blessed greatly.
There are prayers daily for your missionary 🙂
What do you mean you’re not perfect at doing this. If you weren’t he wouldn’t be willing to leave all he loves and knows to take that step of faith into the darkness and serve with all his might. There’s not a mom that’s done this that didn’t cry through your entire post because it does feel just like there is no way to go on without them (it’s been several years since it was my turn but you would have thought it was last week with the tears on my face). But then you find someone to serve and somehow, somehow you wipe away tears and stand a little taller so proud of what your mothering has produced, and you go on with faith.
I’m not much of a crier but you just made me cry looking at those pictures with his nieces and nephew. If it wasn’t for missionaries my dad wouldn’t have joined the church and I wouldn’t be where I am now. Can you imagine a world without me? Weird! 😉 You are doing great and he will be great!
I was doing fine until the picture of him with Baby Chomp… of course THAT struck a chord. Wow… he’s just so amazing. I’ve got a paper chain to make, because I’m glad we get to count down the days already!
1 down… 729 to go.
Baby steps.
Was just reading a talk by Sister Beck and read this line YOU immediately came to mind…thanks for your wonderful example Launi…even though it is heart wrenching…
” It is very difficult to get a lion cub away from a lioness who doesn’t believe in missions, but if the lioness believes in a mission, she will devote her life to preparing the cub to go out and serve the Lord. That’s how important she is. Service happens if she cares about it.”
It is still just too raw.
Come back soon dawg.
Really soon.
Happy…and sad day! Nothing can replace a mama’s love!
I’m all… verklempt……
God speed, dear boy…
This morning I just got SO excited for him, thinking about what he’s going to be doing today, and just how much fun this new adventure is going to be for him. The roommates/companions, the classes/language, and all the good stuff is definitely going to be fun for him. You’ll love hearing about it and seeing pictures too. So great!
I am sad to see him go too. Such a great and sweet kid. He will have a good time though, as is Tim, and when they both are home we can videotape them talking in Russian to eachother. 🙂 That’ll be fun. 🙂
Chin up my dear friend. Just start marking the days off that calendar and know he’ll be watched over by a loving Heavenly Father until you can resume that role.
Oh I wish I was there to give you all a hug. You will be fine – and so will he and I’m sure the time will go quickly for you as you follow his progress.It must be hard having him in the MTC just down the road but not being able to see him.
It’s ok to miss him and get upset – heck what kind of family would you be if you didn’t miss him!!
I’m just hoping that my lovely Jillian (and maybe a few other family members) is already saving up to come over and “surprise” Rhen when he finishes.
Love and hugs to you all xxx
What a handsome kid! He’s going to do a fabulous job, and we’re sending good wishes to all of you.
I told him he had permission to be gone for ONE WEEK. That’s it. I wonder if he’ll mind me.
: /
I know he needs to be there too…I just miss him. That’s all. I’m a wimp.
I know…I know. I’m working on it.
~sigh~
No–I can’t imagine a world without you. Thanks for the reminder.
That chain will wrap around the house twice. wah…
Dane brought me in a stuffed lion holding a cub in her mouth and said, “Thought this might mean something to you.” He read your comment and thought the critter would snag my heart. It’s on my bed. 🙂
~I keep looking at the clock thinking, he’ll be home any minute. sheesh.
:] :[ I’m working on the happy part…
Had to look that word up…but I get it now.
You are so sweet.
I suppose you’re right.
That was the best part about all this–that they have something that will keep them close forever.
I’m counting down alright. One of the kids said to start getting ready to send him stuff for his birthday (July) because it takes soooo long to mail things there and then get ready for Christmas. By Christmas, it will be close to his year mark. That actually helped a lot. Christmas always feels like it comes too soon. So I’ll focus on that.
It is strange to think of him just down the road…but unreachable. But the nice part is that I can mail him letters for free and send packages for really cheap—until he leaves for Russia. So I’ll make the most of it.