For the past few years, and even more so for the past year, I have been dreading the thought of Este leaving on his mission. I know it is the end of having all five of my kids living under my roof. It is the end of his childhood. It is the end of me being "in charge" of my children's life. The end of talking to and interacting with my kids every single day. It is the end of this phase of motherhood. The end.
As I sat in the Dallas Temple with him for the first time this past week. I realized this is not the end, it is the beginning of many great things to come! I was overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude that he is willing and worthy to serve the Lord for the next two years. There is nothing I would rather him do. I will see him again. I will get an email from him every week. I will still be a part of his life even if it is from a distance. In the temple I was overwhelmed with the happiness that comes from raising children in the Gospel. I felt such deep happiness for which I am so grateful.
I had thought about the day I would be in the temple again with Este for the past 18 years. I remember going to the temple every week when I was pregnant with him. Life has changed so much since then. Our family has gone down paths I wasn't even aware of at that time. The Lord has guided us to know where to go and what to do. It all leads back to here.
I am so grateful that my mom was able to be with us in the temple. My mom and I were able to receive special attention for being the missionary mom and grandma. I am so grateful she was there with us on this special day. This will always be one of my favorite photos of my mom.
I know there will be hard times ahead for him and for our family but, that is what the gospel brings: Hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. Hope for a life centered on Jesus Christ. Hope for happiness in a moment that can be hard. Hope for eternity.
For more on this topic read here:
President Uchtdorf's talk on Gratitude
For further explanation on why the Temple is so important to my family read here:
Temples
1 comment:
Colette, you are amazing. I cherish our friendship and your sweet perspective. Thank you for being real and for being such a great example to me. I love you to pieces, and your awesome family! Best wishes to Esteban on his new chapter of life and congrats to you on such a successful job in raising him. He will be a wonderful missionary!
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