There really is nothing like hugging your child for the first time after two whole years apart. I can’t even put it into words. But I’ll say this – it feels AMAZING!!
I’m so happy to have my boy home. For now. He’s twenty so it won’t last for too long. But for now, he’s home. <3
He’s keeping me plenty busy too. New retainers, new bank account, writing a resume, enrolling in dental assisting school, shopping for clothes, and on, and on. He has two job offers and a likely home to share with roommates. He’ll start college in January. Time doesn’t stand still, does it?
My wonderful friend Ashlee took photos at the airport and somehow she managed to capture our emotions so well. I love these photos! And because joy is still oozing out of every bit of my heart, I am sharing them with all of you.
Two years ago, our oldest son left to serve a mission for our church. Despite my best efforts, he left as a boy in almost every way. That same son returned, but he is so grown up, a man now in almost every way. I’m so grateful for all that he learned. He grew in ways I never anticipated. Every bit of that time apart was worth it.
You can learn more about what missionaries do here:
Happy Monday, I hope you make an awesome genealogy discovery very soon!! xoxo
ps – I have been getting so much genealogy done this summer. I have lots to share this fall – I can’t wait! Now that my little one is in school all day and my big one is starting work, I’m going to have some time on my hands. 🙂
beautiful pictures which show your pure love and joy to have him back!
Thank you, Barbara! Yes, pure love and joy is the perfect phrase. <3
I cannot imagine what it is like to have a child leave the home for two years. I know you kept in contact with each other but not being able to have him drop in for a talk or dinner or just to have a load of dirty clothes washed must have been hard. Awesome photographs!
Thank you, Cathy. I love these photos. Two years is a long time, and there were certainly times that felt harder than others. In his case, he is such a happy, friendly kid that I didn’t worry very much and I think that helped. But man, what he gained in those two years was worth every bit of that time apart. 🙂
Sometimes I wish WordPress had a Love button like Facebook. This is one of those times. Two years—I can’t imagine it! When my daughter went to Israel for four months, that felt endless. Enjoy your time reconnecting!
Thank you, Amy! We are loving having him home. Thankfully, he is a really easy going kiddo so he is adjusting easily and well. It’s great to be all together again.
Was your daughter traveling or studying? I really wanted to attend BYU Jerusalem for a semester in college but that didn’t happen. It would have been about four months.
I second the love button on WordPress – that would be great!!
She was studying (at least in theory)—it was her Junior Semester Abroad experience. She loved it. But we missed her!
What a cool experience, I’m glad she loved it! I know I’m just at the beginning of the parenting adult children phase, but I imagine there are lots of times of missing adult children. Ready or not, it’s just going to keep going. He is working toward being an oral surgeon so school will be away. I just hope he comes back. I always tell him that life will be lots more convenient if he marries a girl from here and lives close by because I will be an EXCELLENT Grandma. 😉
Yes, having adult children is an adjustment. Neither of ours lives close by, though both are close enough to get to within a few hours by car. It’s rather sad—but I can barely remember what it was like having them both living here. It’s been 20 years since the older one went off to college and 16 years since the younger one did. But both will be here (AND the grandsons) this weekend for Rosh Hashanah!
Oh! I’m so glad you get to see everyone this weekend, what a wonderful way to celebrate – together. <3