First one to Joseph

 Oh Hi Joe,

So kid, you left today. I came home and worked a while after we dropped you off. Then I had to go downtown for a meeting. I got upstairs and it was dark, and quiet. Too dark and too quiet. The other day I was breaking our family down by fractions and percentages. But to me, each one of you is everything, my whole world, my entire heart. Now a big chunk of my heart is far away from me. But I know that you are growing, I know you will be happy. I know that the Lord appreciates this sacrifice, and he will bless you. But I think you know that already. I also know that you will learn and grow and be happy and effective. I know my great kid will come back to me, but you will be older, wiser, and more manly.

I’ve had so much fun with you as you’ve gotten ready over these last months. You’ve done everything with you head up and your eyes forward. Little scenes kept flashing in my head: You  at your graduation, you paying for your mission gear, you at your temple prep class, you sitting in your room working on your talk, you walking into the Celestial room at the temple, you trembling in bed the night before the MTC, you standing up to give your talk (that was regal my son), and this morning when you left us to go through security and you gave us that little wave (That one was comforting to your mother and I). Keep up all that courage and positive attitude and you will be a great missionary. Keep it up and you are going to be a great man

Enough of the sappy dad stuff though I must warn you to expect a bit of that in these letters.

I figure that as I write this letter you have arrived at the MTC (should I call it the CCM?). I’ll bet your eyes were open on that ride over. Imagine being in that for two years like Jake. Truth be told, there may be some of that in your mission. And like most missionaries, those will be your favorite areas.

I’ll send this letter when we get your note, I hope it’s soon.

———

Well, you’re note came through, it was brief but it had its effect and we calmed us all down. We just got done with dinner, mom made some yummy macaroni casserole stuff. I got new shelves and a handle for that crappy black fridge in the laundry room so I’ll install those.

Love you kid,

Pops