Once Again...For The Last Time

The last 12 hours or so before Danny left on his mission were kind of a whirlwind.  Isn't it always like that, though?  He took a final ride in the jeep, but we couldn't go far because of a leaky radiator.  That jeep has seen all four boys off and been there when they returned, each time slightly worse for the wear (kind of like his parents!).

President Johnson came by Monday evening at 8 pm to set him apart and gave a wonderful blessing as he did so.  The bags were mostly packed and ready to go.  The fan is a reminder of the hot weekend we spent without air conditioning.

Early the next morning Peggy finished carefully attending to last minute preparations.  She literally packed every single item, making sure he had his socks, ties, sundries, books, and all the things Dan will need for the the next two years.  Surely a labor of love to make sure her boy was as prepared as he could be.  No mother could have been more careful as she went through the lists multiple times.

Matt and Cassi came down from Cedar City to see him off on his 6:15 am flight to SLC.  From there he flew to Dallas and then on to Mexico City.  There was another missionary there going to the same mission as Dan, one going to Florida and two going to Spain.

One last picture with the folks and then it was time to depart.  A bittersweet moment, for sure.  You raise them to leave the nest, are pleased when they choose to serve, but still hate to see them off where you can't be there to put your arms around them when they (and you) need to.  But there is someone there to do so as Jared reminded Danny when he was here last week.  He recounted his own missionary  experience, wishing his father could advise and guide him when the thought forcefully came to him that his Father, his Heavenly Father, could do just that.  Rather than rely on the arm of flesh, no matter how loving and caring that arm is, he was taught what it means to seek counsel from the Lord.  Danny will have numerous opportunities to do just than.

A check-in with the TSA agent and he was off.  Off to start a new chapter in his life that will further prepare him and strengthen him for the rest of his life.  God bless him and watch over him, and all those who serve in this special calling.