As I drifted off to sleep last night I realized that I hadn't included him in the fathers I spoke about, yet over the course of the years I have been so very grateful for his fierce loyalty and protective presence in the lives of our children. They have seen his rigid stance on doing what is right, and they have seen his very tender feelings for them and for people he cares about. He is a compassionate man, an extremely reliable man that you can set your watch by. He is also uniquely zany. If you know him, you know exactly what I mean.
This evening was Lea's last meeting with us at the center. About 9:00, when the games were just getting under way, she made her rounds hugging friends and wishing everyone goodbye. I hugged her and told her how much we love her and and have appreciated working with her. SK reminded me we wanted to get a picture with her. We posed together smiling and happy. Then she hugged SK and he began to cry. That made her cry. It made me cry too.
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| Isn't she cute? We see that same expression on the faces of our children and grandchildren all the time. |
In the last year we have said goodbye to at least a dozen or more missionaries going out to serve in the world, and it has been hard to say farewell to every one.....but Lea was the very first one to break the ice with us when we were brand new. When we told her we had a daughter named Lia, she immediately replied, "Good! Then I will be your adopted daughter here, and I will be your favorite!" She couldn't have been more right. She has been our favorite and we love her.
I can see that there would be distinct advantages to serving in your home town.....you would never have to say good-byes like we have been saying.
How SWEET! I knew how you felt about Stan as a father - and husband - and just assumed that he was included - because I knew he was.
ReplyDeleteL&P
Thank you! L&P
DeleteTo meet and to part....I can almost hear Dad saying that to all these sweet missionaries. In Danish! He is the best of fathers. I can't imagine how hard these goodbyes are. Are any of them serving in the states?!
ReplyDeleteYes....We have one in San Jose CA, one in Salt Lake City, one in Provo, and one in Denver Co. Yes he is the best, and occasionally he does repeat that old Danish adage. Love you.
ReplyDeleteHave you sent Lia to visit any of them?
DeleteNo, but that is a fantastic idea! Do you think Peter would mind going to San Jose with her? That would be great fun though with the Salt Lake missionary.
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