farewell boys

My handsome little (not so little anymore) brother is headed to Calgary Canada to serve a mission for our church. Mike's younger brother is also headed out a few weeks after my brother leaves to serve in Sydney Australia.  We are trying to soak up every moment we get with them before they leave.  We are going to miss them so so much.

 Mikki Platt captured this gem at our wedding. she is too good. i love everything about this picture.

Brackin has always been the comedy relief in our home.  The kid is hilarious, quick and so witty.  Sunday dinners at my house are full of laughter mainly because of him.  I love the random texts and phone calls I get from him and I will miss those so much.  I am also going to miss our heart to hearts.  When the kid stops joking around, he opens up with the biggest heart you can find in a manly-man, football playing, wrestling, construction-working body.  And his hugs, oh I will miss those- he is the kind of hugger that just squeezes to the point where your ribs will explode at any moment.  The kid is good. The honest and pure kind of good. And gosh, I love him.  I am not super excited to share him, but I will. Cause Canada is getting one stellar missionary.

James and I have only known each other for about 6 months- but let me tell you about this stud.  He is passionate and oh so loyal.  He is a classy guy and so mature for his age.  The kid is admired by everyone- me, his siblings, and his friends.  James is a fighter and a hard worker.  And I know he will be a diligent, obedient, leader in his mission.  Leading is just one of his God-given abilities.  I love that James is honest- I know I can ask him anything and he will shoot it with me straight.  Australia is so blessed and his future companions are getting such a tender mercy because he is going to be the missionary everyone wants to serve with.

The mission humbles young adults in the way we need it the most, teaches us unconditional love, a missionary learns the Gospel in the most pure basic way and strengthens faith and testimony.  A mission teaches culture and tradition.  A missionary faces trials and challenges on every level and learns that he or she is capable of doing hard things.  A missionary learns to appreciate family. More than anything- a missionary learns of Christ, his life, His atonement and a missionary develops a very personal real relationship with him.  It is an honestly beautiful experience.  Have I mentioned that I LOVED my mission?!  Because I honestly did.  It was the best thing I could have done when I was their age and I am grateful for my mission every single day.

So, I will deal with my own selfish sadness.  My heart already hurts when I think about two whole years without these boys that I love.  But I know they are making a selfless decision to serve our Master and I admire that more than they currently comprehend.  I cannot wait to hear all about it.

lots of love (and a few tears),
brookeydee