He's Home!

I've been waiting for today for what feels like forever. I remember two years ago, when we were all driving down to Provo to drop Jack off at the MTC. There was a sad silence that filled the car. We weren't ready to let him go yet. Saying goodbye was easier than we expected thanks to the weather. Where we were supposed to draw it out and cry, the rain became so strong, we only had time to say "I love you!" and leave. Like ripping off a Band-aid; quick and somewhat painless. I remember that the first few weeks that Jack was gone, I felt so alone and lost. I sent him carepackages literally every single week. And that little goober owes me because I spent over $100 a week buying him goodies and getting the package mailed same-day. I wanted him to know that I loved him so much. He'll never know how badly I missed him that first little bit. But then Ryan came into the picture, and it was a lot easier to focus on other emotions.

Two years. Wow. He came down the escalator today, and I just breathed this sigh of relief. Being a family member of a missionary, you have full faith that the Lord will protect and watch out for your loved one. But you just have this up-tight, anxious feeling about it when you think about him. We prayed for him every single night and I always ended my emails with "I love you so much! Be safe and make good choices." And he did. He was home safe, and gave me a big, much-needed hug. He also got to meet Ryan for the first time. He calls him his brother. I know that no one will ever love Ryan the way Jack does. Jack never thought his sister would marry a man as worthy as Ryan, and I know he's so thankful for him.

 After picking him up, we got to go with Jack when he was released. He was visually upset when my mom took off his tags. A part of him will always be in those tags. I must say, it's so refreshing having him home. It's like a burst of new, eternal energy. Everything he says is inspiring and gospel-related. He really did serve with all of his heart, and I know that he'll continue touching the lives of those around him. We're so happy to have him home.

WELCOME HOME, ELDER GRIFFIN. YOU SERVED LIKE A CHAMPION!!!

Didn't realize how chunky my arms are...bleh. Dallin and I had a bet about who would get the first hug, so he ran up before me and snagged it first. Dangit! ..... Pictures to come tomorrow.