Empty Nesters

Oh hi Joe,

I’m starting this on Wednesday afternoon after dropping your brothers off at the airport for their trip to Japan . The reason I’m writing now is that I don’t want to forget some of the things that came to mind this morning.

So this morning was a good one. Mom stayed home and made us breakfast because she was going to take grandma to her doctors appointment. I got up at normal time and got ready, mom had croissants and egg sandwiches ready, so yum. Your brothers were very excited for the day. Over the last few days, I’ve been helping them get ready. 

Now, I don’t want this to sound like you guys ask for too much, because it’s the exact opposite, I feel like you boys ask for very little. But Jake had asked me for little thing like borrowing my power bank, or charging cords, or helping him find a suitcase, etc. Then this morning he said, “ Hey dad, can you give me…a blessing?” Every time he asked me I really wanted to give him the help or things he’s asked for. Because, well, I love you boys. Because of my love for you, I feel joy by being able to give you those things. Then a strong feeling entered my heart, like a voice without sound that told me “That’s the way your Father In Heaven feels when you ask Him for something.” Man, that was such a strong feeling Joe, strong enough that  I want to right it down before the memory fades. 

Currently, part of my stress is coming from the worry that without a job, I won’t be able to give the family the things that you need (we’re okay for awhile, so don’t worry). And throughout your lives, your mom and I never gave you everything you asked for. But we sure tried to give you the things you needed, and even at least some of the things you wanted. I felt strongly that thats how our Father in Heaven works. He gives us what we ask for, but when it’s his time, and in the way he knows is best for us. That feeling was the answer to so many prayers. The reason I tell you this is because you can tell those people you are teaching and finding that God wants to give them what they need too, but he does it in the way a loving father would, in the way that is best for them.

So I gave both of your brothers blessings, I am so excited for them. Then we left for the University of Utah. Ben was going to accept an award for his research paper, it was pretty big deal. It was at the Union Building, one of the least changed buildings on campus. Seriously, it’s been the same since I was a little boy. In classic Ben fashion, we weren’t really invited into the room, but to his credit, he didn’t think there was enough space. Actually, I tried to sneak in, but there were people at the door checking a list, so we went to have a seat out in the hallway. Just as we got settled, Ben texted us to tell us that we could come in. Miracle! I’m not going to go into detail, because an awards ceremony in college is not much more interesting than in junior high school. But, Ben introduced us to his professor in a shockingly friendly and cordial way. His professor seemed really cool, and I thanked him for all the help and support he has given to your brother. His award seemed substantial, and he looks pretty cool, not like all the other dorky college students. 

As you can imagine, your brothers were pretty excited to get going. The drive to the airport is pretty short from the U, so in no time we were there. They were excited and off they went. Seems like at my age, the airport means separation more than it means adventure, and even though they are only going to be gone for 11 days, it’s sorta the end of you boys being mine and the start of your independence. I know you guys will be fully formed, successful, independent men, I just always hope we stay close, even if we live far apart.

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So now it’s Sunday night, it’s late because I’ve been struggling with the taxes. I got ours done, but I’m having a tough time filing them online so I’m going to have to mail them. I got Jacob’s done, and Ben needs to send me a form so I can do his. Now that they make over $5000, I can’t claim them. Another sign that you guys ain’t mine anymore. I’m cutting things close, this is all due April 15th, Tuesday Gromit.

I’ve been surprisingly busy for being a bum. I have a little bit of freelance work, not even close to being enough to replace a job, but enough to make it worthwhile. 

This weekend was just me and mom, which is wonderful, but I do miss you boys, there’s a lot more life in this house when there’s piano, drums, and guitar sounds, or sports on, or rants about spaghetti and top round. This is a tiny preview of being empty nesters. Saturday we went shopping, then mom did homework and I worked on the taxes. Then mom made dinner. She made this chicken pasta. I started laughing because after we had dished up there was still a giant mound of it in the pan. We’re going to have to adjust our recipes. 

After dinner we got the house cleaned up for a movie night with the coopers and the bergs. Mom made that caramel puff stuff, it’s my favorite homemade treat, and she made brownies. The coopers brought a bunch of treats too. We watched Ford vs Ferrari, I still like that movie and it was fun being together. Uncle Aaron is looking good and getting better. It seems it’s just his sore ribs that are still bothering him.

Today was church. I sat up in the choir seats with mom, who was leading the music for Ben. Mom made me roast for dinner, it was delicious but I had to hurry to eat since I had a temple recommend interview with the Stake. After we got cleaned up and went to go see grandma. Were going to hear her talk in her ward next week in church. I don’t think I’ve ever seen grandma give a talk.

Anyway kid, I’m going to put some of your brothers pictures in a collage to send you. That are 14 hours ahead of you. But I encourage you to call them later in the afternoon. They’ve seen some cool stuff.

Lyity 

Pops