In Service of the Lord

So, today is a special day for a friend of mine.  It is her son's "hump day."  This, in the LDS culture, means it is her son's half way point on his 2 year mission.  After today it is a countDOWN to when she sees her son again.  Two years is a long to time to only write weekly and talk on Christmas and Mother's Day.  She is excited.

Likewise, I have another friend whose son is coming home from his mission in September.  She and I were in a meeting the other night together and she exclaimed, "I can't wait to see my baby!"  I don't blame her.  I would be excited too.  However, her comment caught me off guard and I almost broke down crying right in the middle of the meeting.  She did not say anything wrong, I just couldn't help but want to "see my baby" again too. 

Ethan is on his own mission in the next life.  I know this.  I joke with the first friend (above) that our son's shared a farewell.  The day her son gave his farewell talk was the day after Ethan passed away.  I did attend church that day mainly because it was her son's farewell.  I love that we shared this.  I also know she feels guilty that she HAS a "hump day." (she shouldn't)  We decided I have a "hump day" too; I just don't know when it is. I think I'll make one up. 

I write about this only because it is a little hard to handle sometimes.  I tell myself a lot that "Ethan is on a mission."  This helps in remembering I will see him again.  I fight off jealousy for others being able to see their sons after two years. However, this does not diminish the excitement I do have for each of them as they get to see their sons come home. This is an exciting time and I love these friends dearly.  Their sons will have sacrificed two years of their lives in service of the Lord.  I am proud of both of them and know Ethan would be just as excited for them. 

Happy Hump Day to my friend!  I AM celebrating with her!!