it is monday- and i am thinking a lot.
i have two more days with tay- to complete getting him ready, to look at his face.
it has been a wonderful trip so far.
at the airport we met a woman who has sent out 5 sons on missions. she was so warm, and enthusiastic with tay about his serving- kind to me in some coping advice.
upon arrival we met another woman- who approached tay with such openess- and it turns out that she lives in the carlsbad california mission. she raved about the mission- it's members, the beauty of the area.
these interactions were like hugs. we recognized them as blessings.
we met mom and dad (so good to be here with them!) and grabbed a bite at our favorite place only to be approached by another- this time a young man that had returned just the day before from his mission. the brotherhood that these young men must feel was touching to witness.
we were so happy to see candice and the girls for a few minutes before we hurried off to the mall to get tay's shopping done.
at mr. mac's we were introduced to a salesman- who had served in the carlsbad mission just one year previous. he spoke with love and assurance to tay regarding the people and mission president. and then he helped us pick out the items tay would need.
at the end the manager gave us an additional discount because mom and dad knew him from years back- and again, all these things we recognize as blessings.
tay has seen most of the family now- and has said his goodbyes. it has been hard to observe these very tender moments.
em, she had the hardest time when reality hit her. she cried for hours, starting with the meeting when tay was set apart and not ending until she fell asleep exhausted.
james had a hard time, too. they (em and james) are hanging out together this week.
today we meet with james' family for dinner. i was invited along and i was happy to accept. it has been since i was married that i have been with all of them. i hope to fade back, take pictures for tay, and let this be all about him.
anyway, counting down- grateful, emtional, grasping at each potential moment.
tay told my uncle jc that he was ready to go- but was treasuring each of these moments leading up to wed.
he sits next to me at every opportunity. i rub his back- i pester him with mom type questions.
he puts up with my camera at his every turn. it is almost comical!
and so... onto the day. love from utah! ...rhonda
2 comments:
I must add that I feel very blessed that I can share this special time with Rhonda and Taylor. He is a wonderful young man and will be a dynamic missionary! Our little kids in the family all adore him. What a good example for them. It's such a unique time full of happiness to see him go and sadness to see him go. We love you Taylor!
Beautifully said. I get emotional just reading about it. When I said my last good-bye to Taylor here at the house, my emotions were very much on my sleves. I think his was too. These are tender and wonderful times that we are lucky and blessed to be able to share.
Now on we go, more blessings and tender moments ahead.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I appreciated and treasure your influence in our lives, Rhonda. I always tell everyone that you're our little Hawaiian baby. You stood out from the crowd then, and you still do.
Lot's of Love.
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