our farewell to T
Sunday, September 6, 2009 at 08:36PM 
Last Wednesday we took Jim's youngest brother, T (really John Thomas...but now Elder Scott), to the airport. And bid him farewell. Of course, we've known the date was approaching. Still. Time warps such events in a way where - though anticipated for months - they still sneak up on you with incredible stealth.
That's how I feel about T's growing up in general though. When I met Jim, this youngest brother was 8. When we married, he was 12. Sometimes obnoxious. And always loud. I obviously didn't have much experience with boys at the time. But still knew that {obviously} if I ever had any of my own, they'd be quiet, clean and infinitely more polite. Aidan soon came along to prove that theory wrong. And of course T has grown up, matured over the seven years of our marriage. But it truly did happen stealthily.
Because suddenly he was at the pulpit speaking two weeks ago, and I was shocked. There was no sign of the T {perma-stuck at age 13 perhaps?} who lives in my head. A confident, compelling man stood in his place. Bearing a strong testimony of Prayer...and of the power the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to change lives.
It was humbling really. To be smacked in the face with the fact that I had missed the process...the "Becoming" of this {suddenly} man who I know will be an incredible missionary.
It was similarly humbling to realize that my own little men are well into this "Becoming" themselves. And that T's mission will have an enormous impact on their young lives.
It's an impact that's already in motion. The airport scene at 7 am Wednesday morning was nearly too much to bear. On the ride to the airport, reality clicked for Aidan. As he realized that T is going to be completely gone for two years. We've talked about it, of course, but the words meant nothing until that moment of sudden clarity. So when we finally got to the airport, I watched A's face working hard to control the emotions that threatened to take over. Everyone gave their final hugs, but he wouldn't come forward. Until T said, "Come give me a hug, Aidan." Then he flew forward and the floodgates opened. The boy was bawling. Completely overwrought.
And in the car on the way home he said, "I don't know if T knows he's my favorite person." That night, Davyn prayed that "T will come home safely next week." We've amended the time frame over the past few days of prayer, but there's something to what D said really. I'm sure T's mission will become his home. It may take a week, but he has slipped so well into the calling that *home* won't be too far from the truth.
On Tuesday night before being set apart, he said: "I just feel calm. And at peace." There was no scurried frenzy. No worries about anything left undone. No sigh at "having to follow the rules" now. Just calm acceptance that he's stepping into something new and there's no room to drag the old along.
Mike & Kay's house will definitely be quieter over the next two years. I'll have to send my own boys over more often to fill the sound void. Because they do seem to be gaining volume with the years, following in T's steps, no doubt. Which is Perfectly fine by me.
Reader Comments (13)
When I got married, Jay had a 13 year-old brother who is now 26. You described that "what happened?" growing up feeling so perfectly. I'd never made the leap, though, to compare it to how fast my own boys will grow up. Wah!
I love the visual of you watching him at the pulpit and realizing he's (suddenly) a man. I'm sure that's exactly what it will feel like when our own boys are up there! I can see exactly the way Aidan held back to try to keep himself from crying. I have a cousin who does that exact same thing.
How wonderful that your boys have this fine example in their young lives!
What a great bond your little men have with your T. That is so fantastic and such a gift. I would imagine that time will be a concept that will be hard for two years - but think of the letters and excitement they will have knowing T is on a mission. What a great example for your boys.
Great post!
Hope YOU are doing well!
Wonderful to have such a great example (who they already worship and adore!) for your boys!
It's always strange to count out time and figure out how old people will be when such and such happens. Things do have a way of creeping up on you...
I feel the same way Aunt Kay, even though I still have 3 at home, something is missing. And even with Drew just moving back home!!! I keep thinking it will pass with the more time he's gone, but it just hasn't......yet maybe?