Well, it's over. The long anticipated drop off is a thing of the past. On monday the 10th Steve, Patrick and I left for Utah. We stayed at the cabin, playing, eating good food (which Patrick appreciated after 9 months of cafeteria food) and taking care of a few last minute details before... dun, dun, dun... dropping Patrick off curbside at the MTC. So this is how the final moments played out. We got ready in the morning, packed Patrick up, and then Steve gave Patrick a fathers blessing during which Courtney and I were weepy.
Patrick's first missionary care package.
Patrick and his first mission companion Elder Dwight Shrute.
Then we went to lunch at an amazing little bistro in Provo called the Communal. Patrick was showing his first signs of nervousness during the meal. Up until then he was cool as a cucumber! After lunch we drove to the MTC. We were greeted by an elderly man who told us to go to station 17 to drop Pat off. He then asked "Is everybody happy is this car?" I had been, but as soon as he asked the tears started. As we drove to station 17 we passed all these missionaries lining the curb. They were waving and smiling and helping the new drop offs. One mischievous missionary made eye contact with me, put his fists up to his eyes and then twisted them imitating crying... little jerk. Actually it gave us all a good laugh and kind of broke the tension. We pulled up to station 17 and two young men (who are now in Chile) helped us with Patrick 's bags and reassured us all was well. They were so sweet and helpful, except they are not allowed to touch our cameras which is why we don't have a full family shot... boo!
Patrick getting his bags.
Last pic with the parental units...
And with Courtney.
We then kissed, cried and off he went with his new friends. Kind of like dropping him off at summer camp if summer camp lasted two years and was in Argentina. We know he is ready, we know he is doing well in the MTC, we know he will come safe and better than before BUT we also know we will miss him very, very, much. Adios Patrick we love you.
5 comments:
So sweet. He is such a good boy & will be such a great missionary!! Wish we could have been there!
So bittersweet. Patrick is a great kid and you are fabulous parents!
My sweet little baby is actually gone! He will be the best missionary. Everyone will love him like we do. I miss him.
I dont like to say goodbye so I will just say "auf wiedersehen" -its German for "until we meet again"
Best of luck Pat. xoxo
I'm totally about to bawl right now...I did love his first email--it's obvious he's settling right in and will do a really great job. He looks so handsome in those pictures!
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