Time Lapse
Sitting at the computer here in the kitchen I see the room littered with left overs from sending Larsen off to the MTC. His hour booklet where he kept his hours working for the farm sits here by the computer, his school backpack sits empty by the stairs, a pair of woven sandals, a sweatshirt left behind for Boston and an empty space in the house where he's ate, slept and kept us company for the past several months. Today is a day to contemplate.
Two days ago at 7 p.m. we pulled into the drive way of Stake Pres. Harper in Malta, Id. It was unusual to have so many of our children there but Stuart, Hayden and Gordon assisted in setting Larsen apart while Jessica took notes and Boston and I listened.
Heading to Utah afterwards, Larsen made phone calls for the last time on his phone all down the Wasatch front making appts to see Family members one more time. Frank and Melissa greeted us on the front porch with open arms and popcorn, Steven and Shannon and family weloomed us with hugs and white chocolate chip cookies and Oreos before we arrived at Anna's for supper at 11 pm.
Wednesday morning more family accomodations stopping to see Peter at work. Ginny, Michael and family served us banana bread and milk at their home with Amy and Erica coming to say goodbye. It was a great brief reunion before heading to the MTC.
Joking and laughing about the upcoming seperation we soon became rounding the corner at the MTC. Cars were lined up along the curb with blinkers on. Each with a missionary clad in dark suit and white shirt sitting anxiously in the back or front seat of the car of loved ones or friends. One elder is delivered in style in a convertable sports car while others are packed with numerous family and friends in vans, suburbans and cars for the brief goodbye on the curb.
Missionaries already in the MTC line the side walk waiting to greet the new elders and sisters. A few are waving. At first I think they know us or at least Larsen until I realize they are programed to wave, like beauty queens in a parade, to make us feel welcome. Gordon pulls his Dodge Ram super cab into the space the orange clad worker directs us to and Larsen gets out. We all pile out; Gordon and myself, Anna, little Francie, Jessica, Boston, Hayden and Stuart, acutely aware we are privy to a unique experience as we assist him in getting his bags out of the back of the truck and onto the sidewalk. An elder heading to the Philippines on his mission is assigned to show Elder Webb the way. This elder's only been out 7 weeks.
Elder Webb hugs each of us now.We take pictures and hug again. With a smile he waves goodbye and turns his back on us pulling his large brown suitcase on wheels towards the MTC, his bags draped over his shoulder, head down looking intent on following the elder at his side. I note we all happily cry a little. I'm glad of it as it allows us to vent a few of our emotions in this interesting change of life. My greatest concern in his absence? That things will change. That we won't be the same when we are back together again. But my hope and comfort is that despite the time lapse in the next two years our love for each other has been complete... and that can't change.
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