So Long, Farewell

On the night of May 5th, we attended what was supposed to be a "Spring Fling" at the church. Aaron returned from San Antonio in time to attend this party. He doesn't really like big gatherings such as ward parties, but he was threatened that if he didn't go to this one there would be an angry mob show up on our door step.

We had our suspicions that it was more than just a spring party. Ethan came home from church the week before, upset that he had to sing a good-bye song with the children even though he was leaving. He didn't want to sing good-bye to himself.

After everybody ate dinner, the program started where each organization did a skit. They were all very funny. It was fun to see the members of the ward perform. They asked that Aaron and I sit in front with the missionary couple who are also returning home. The primary children sang the good-bye song from the Sound of Music, "So Long, Farewell". They changed the words, my favorite line of the song was "Bishop, can go, but please don't take your wife". At the end of the song, we were mobbed by the children giving us hugs. We gave up at that point trying to control the tears. Then, they asked for all of our family to come sit in front and face everybody. They presented us with a DVD with pictures of the ward, a plague signed by the ward, and another plaque for Aaron. It was all very touching.

There we were, sitting in front of the entire ward, with hundreds of people whom we love dearly as they said good-bye knowing we may not see them ever again; our kids were sitting there picking their noses, acting like they were bored, and Vanessa was screaming. Here was the moment of a lifetime, in front of a crowd, and my kids were misbehaving. Why?

After the program, we were able to greet the members of the ward. It was all good and I'm thankful for all of our close friends who put so much work into it. We will never forget that night and the love shown to us.