Unexpected reaction

 Oh hi kid,

You know, we got something today that I’ve been eagerly waiting for, you travel plans. And do you know, my reaction to having receiving of them was not what I expected. I expected to be that overtly happy dad who has surely missed his oldest son looking forward to receive him at the end of a job well done. Don’t miss understand, that sentiment was and will be there strongly, but what struck me was that I didn’t want this to end for you. I know that everything is far from perfect where you are with all the shutdowns and what not. But I also get from you a real sense of fulfillment and a real sense of independence and even mastery in you. Maybe I’m projecting my own mission experience on you, I’m not sure. I guess what I’m clumsily trying to tell you kid is that I am super excited to have you home, but even more than that, I hope you can fully engage and appreciate these last few months of your service. There will be few times in your life again when you will have such singular purpose. I would bet you already know that though.

In a semi related note, it turns out that a companion of yours, I’m not clear if it’s a current or former one, is from the same stake as your cousin Cecily and aunt Patti. Elder Li I think? This discovery was made completely randomly, but it seems to have rather pleased his parents.

One last righteous dad paragraph before I move onto the mundane. We are working on the ward mission plan for the coming year. I was wondering if you had a suggestion or tidbit that we could add from your perspective or experiences in the mission field.

Okay, on day-to-day part of the letter.

The Jazz just lost game 6. They had a lead in both the game and the series, now not so much.

Your cousin Erinn got a job in Connecticut as a nanny, she leaves next week.

Your cousin Abby got a job that was presented as a marketing job, turns out its a door-to-door sales job selling att from a third party. To say she’s disappointed is and understatement. These companies are so dishonest these days. Seems like our whole country is based on lies and meanness. She asked my advice tonight and I gave her the best I could.

Speaking of Abby, your brothers and I helped her move a couch she bought on KSL. Somewhere along the way we lost the homemade tale gate from my little kit trailer, I hope I’d didn’t cause anyone a hard day. We went to pick the cou up from an old apartment in downtown slc. it was really tough to get it out the door, an old timer from next door had to help us get it out. I think it was good for your brothers to see how other people live. Not that it was poverty or anything, but it also wasn’t the suburban environment they’re used to. We took the couch to her new apartment which just happened to be on the second floor, it just barely fit, it was heavy. We ate a late night meal at McDonald’s after, and all-n-all, it was fun to be with your brothers and to do a little service.

Friday night I was whining to your mom that I didn’t want to have another Saturday comprised of Costco, errands and chores so she suggested a day-trip to Bear Lake to make up for the debacle of a couple of weeks ago. So we got up at 5:30 and went. It was fun, at least more fun than Costco at chores. We only stayed about 4 hours. We wanted to go to that cave we went to a couple of years ago, but the tours were booked for the day. So we went to a dairy factory outlet in Logan on the way home. We got squeaky cheese and, in honor of you, chocolate milk. 

I found out this week that brother Hansen just accepted a job in Redwood City. He’ll be moving sometime in October. I seem to recall that was in or near your mission. It seems like a great experience and move up for him. But I’ve gotten to really admire him and I’ll miss him. I’m guessing the the elders quorum presidency will be reorganized, I’m guessing I will get released.

Mom just had her bedtime meltdown, I’m guessing you miss that

Tonight we had dinner at grandmas, she had steak and Alfredo with peach pie and ice cream for dessert. It was great. It seems different now, all of your older cousins come with their hangers on.i kinda feel like a stranger there.

I liked the videos you posted this week.

Lyity,

Pops