A Very Good Day!

This is what our entryway looked like yesterday afternoon.

Nineteen years ago, I had my first baby--a boy that we named Bruce, after my brother who died when I was twenty. He was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21 inches long. He was snuggly, smiley and sweet. As he grew, we discovered he was smart, opinionated and stubborn.

I distinctly remember when Bruce turned five. I realized how fast that first five years had gone and that he was more than a fourth of the way to his mission. Almost every year after that, I did the math. Bruce is 1/2 of the way to his mission. Bruce is halfway to his mission! I can't believe Bruce will go on a mission in just five years. Holy crap! He only has a year left until he leaves!

Time has flown by and yesterday was his farewell. (I know it isn't called that anymore, but I don't know what else to call it, so just go with me.) His subject was "preparing to become a worthy husband and father." Not an easy subject for a kid leaving on a mission in 2 1/2 weeks, but he did a great job. He made me cry. And I didn't have a kleenex, so thank you Sister Thompson for the cute kleenex covered with pink and red hearts. Travis and Savannah didn't have one either, so I tore it in thirds and we shared.

After church, we had an open house with waffles and toppings and breakfast meat. It was good and the help I received from loved ones made it a wonderful day. Over 120 family and friends came by. Sweet siblings and in-laws kicked me out of the kitchen so I could go talk to old friends, family and Bruce's friends.

Just 16 days until Bruce goes on his mission. You'd think after nineteen years to prepare, I'd be ready. He's so much more ready for this than I am. I guess that's something to be grateful for.