The Night Before Leaving Home

 (From Mom Melissa):

Several years ago I remember looking over at a dear friend in our ward Heidi. Her son was leaving on a mission. He had just given a beautiful talk. I had 2 little boys by my side. No little girls were part our our family at the time. I was living and loving the boy mom life. I couldn’t believe how calm she was. She had sweet tears in her eyes. Tears of being proud. Her son was leaving. And she was so happy. I remember after the church meeting walking over to her and giving her a hug. I also remember saying I can’t imagine how I will feel having my son leave. Her words always stayed with me. She said” you will be able to do it and you will be so glad they are out serving”. I am there. Tonight we prepared for Thomas to fly out tomorrow morning. My mom heart is so full. My little 3 lb baby who I fought so hard to bring into this world is spreading his wings and flying to New Hampshire and then in 9 weeks will fly out to Cote D’Ivore. Tonight I go to bed with gratitude Thomas is going to go out and serve. We love him. He will definitely be missed by Kent and I and his siblings. But we can talk to him every week. That takes the sting a bit away.