February Memories: The Homecoming

Again, I think this is a memory that I have shared bits and pieces of before, but now I want to write it all down in one place.  Since the time I was very young, I wanted to be a missionary for my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)  It was something I always talked about it and looked forward to...and my mom was my biggest supporter.  She was just as excited as I was about my opportunity, and she helped me prepare to go in every way.  In May of 1997, I received my assignment to serve in Virginia for 18 months.  I was so excited!  That summer passed quickly and before I knew it, it was time to actually leave.  Reality hit hard...it was difficult to anticipate being away from my family and not seeing them for a year and half.  The only contact we would have would be through writing letters and phone calls on Christmas and Mother's Day.  Saying good-bye to my family, especially my mom, was one of the hardest things I have ever done. (And how did they do it with such brave faces?  I can't even imagine when this day comes for me with my kids!)  I entered the Missionary Training Center in August and then said my real good-byes at the airport about a  month later.

For the first few months, I was very homesick.  I remember at one point just lying on my bed in my little apartment and thinking for a second, "I don't think I can do this."  It was the only time I ever felt that way the whole time I was gone.  The work was hard and somewhat discouraging but I was fine with all of that...I just missed my family so much, especially my mom.  But then I remember just pausing and visualizing my mom and dad at home, praying for me.  And I knew that they were, and I felt such a connection...and I never felt that sadness again for the rest of my mission.  I could literally felt my parents supporting me across the country.  It was amazing.  Now that I am a mom I think I understand just a little bit.  Prayers from a mom for a child are just so powerful and certainly transcend distance.

My mom wrote such wonderful, cheerful, upbeat letters to me for my entire mission (I have to say that my dad absolutely did too, but that is a post for another time!).  She always kept me guessing because her letters never arrived on the same day of the week.  She always personalized her letters with fun stationery, bright envelopes, and stickers.  She would write just like she talked, so it was almost like having a conversation with her.  I can still remember several of the phrases or funny things she included.  She also loved to send newspaper clippings and pictures.  And always, always, her letters were filled with love for me along with her total commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those letters are such a treasure.

When it was time to return home from my mission in February of 1999,  my parents were originally going to fly to Virginia to pick me up.  But my Great Grandma Thelma died, and our plans had to be changed.  I was disappointed but knew that we could return at a different time.  Mostly, I was just so excited to come home and see my family.

Oh, I will never forget my homecoming!  February 11, 1999 (almost 16 years ago to the day!)  It was one of the most beautiful, most anticipated moments of my life.

But this picture...I loved it at that time...but it took on even more significance later...I still love to look at it and remember that exact moment of seeing my mom.....it was like I had never left and I was right back where I belonged...

And one day, I am going to have that moment again.  I don't know all the details or exactly what it will be like, but it is something I am anticipating with great hope and great joy and great excitement. It will be like we have never been a part.  One day!

(I love how my family had our house and yard decorated to celebrate my return!)