Next to the last

  Oh hi Jacob,

It was sure nice to get your Father’s Day call today. You look and sound well, and I think the concerns you have of your return are natural and demonstrate your desire to stay close to the Lord and to keep you testimony strong.

Things around here are busy, though mostly self imposed. For the most part the living room is done. I finished painting Friday night after my colonoscopy. We put up a giant picture of aspen trees above the piano and bought some vases for the area between the kitchen and living room. I still want to paint the ceiling, but I may just want to be done. After all of that work I finally think it’s the best room in the house. We’re spending more time upstairs than downstairs. I’m embarrassed about how long we let that room be ugly. I’ve probably made too much of this project over the months working on it, but I enjoy discussing and working on it with your mother. I love her reaction when she likes something. 

My other on going never ending project is the sprinkler for the backyard. Well, I dig the pipe out, made a patch, and felt pretty pleased with myself. Then I turned them on and water gushed from the area under the newly repaired pipe. I may just end up burning the grass in the backyard and forgetting about it…but I won’t.

Friday was the colonoscopy. I’ve done it before so I knew what to expect. This time the prep was much milder than last time, to the point that I was afraid the way wasn’t clear. But it was, my exhaust pipe was clear, no polyps. So I won’t have to go back for five years, maybe ten if I’m lucky. In ten years, our lives will be so different. I think somewhere in those ten years my life will start to change a lot. Daughters-in-law, grandkids, retirement, missions? Holee! In my dreams I don’t have to retire til I’m 70, or even later. Ten years ago we were in our second year living in Murphy, so you can tell what a short timeframe that really is.

Missions are now a thing in this ward. Ryder Neilson, the kid across the street that was on Joe’s “good little football team” got his call to Zimbabwe. Jared Carver is going to Austin, Texas English speaking. As you know Joey could get his call this week, but we had to re send his official picture because it was his school graduation picture and he was wearing a bow tie. I photoshopped in a normal tie and sent it back. Because of the delay Joe is kinda resigned to it coming next week. And Bishop mentioned that Wesley’s papers were almost in, oh his poor companions. I also know that the youngest Crowther kid is getting close too. 

That’s about it for us for this week kid. I just sent you your patriarchal blessing. It’s probably not in the best format for reading, but let me know if you can or cat read it so I can fix it for you. It really seemed to answer so many of the concerns that you have shared with me on the eve of your return that I think you should study it closely. According to that Jacob, you are a prominent spirit and you’ll have an impactful and prosperous life. For what it’s worth, I have full faith in that.

I sure love you, I’m extremely proud of you and unspeakably excited to see you next week. Make this week a great one, you’re almost out. 

Pops I