This morning we sent Hallie off on a plane to the Provo Missionary Training Center.
We knew this date was coming and we’ve had it on our calendar for some time. And yet, it’s always been a distant farewell. Until it wasn’t distant anymore. I have so many thoughts swirling around my head about the last couple weeks and some of the special experiences we’ve shared together as she’s prepared to leave.
But my head is cloudy and my heart hurts to share much right now.
I will say last night after she went to bed, I went up to her room and crawled into her bed and we just cried together. There were tears followed by laughing and then a few more tears. (Steve even joined us for a bit) Change is so good but it is hard and scary. We’ve never sent a child off to live on their own and we’re all trying to process what family life looks like without her daily presence. So today was emotional.
She was tearful as she gave her final hugs and then she walked towards security and she never looked back. We kept waiting for her to turn and wave but kept her gaze forward (and secretly I was so proud of her for not looking back).
Godspeed Sister!
I’ve watched your kids grow up on here. They are some great kids even though I don’t know them or you. She is such a cute girl! She is going to be a great missionary! You can sense that in the person she is. I have sent a daughter and a son off to serve the Lord. It is one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Today is very hard but it gets a little easier as life moves on and you get glimpses into what she is doing and learning. I’ll be thinking and praying for you all. Love from Utah!
This post brings back such tender memories for me as we dropped off our daughter, Anna, at the Provo MTC just two months ago. She is now in the New York Syracuse Mission and LOVING IT!!! Yes, there are ups and downs, but she is having a marvelous experience and I’m sure Sister Pothier will too. I said an extra prayer for Hallie and your family today hoping that you will blessed with peace as she embarks on her service. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
And BTW – the ASU/BYU football game is one I won’t forget for a long time! We were in town for Thanksgiving so we took advantage of the opportunity to see them play. I received my undergraduate degree from ASU and my master’s degree from BYU so I had to make sure my attire reflected both of my alliances.