This has been quite an amazing week for us. It started last weekend. On Saturday, Geoffrey had his high school graduation. He only had one class at University High School-band-and the rest of his classes were all at Eastern Washington University. He has been a great student and taken total responsibility for his studies. Of course, he didn't know many of the kids in his high school, but we were excited for the graduation and it was great to see him looking so official. Angela and Jasmine were also here to help celebrate. It was great having them here. They bring so much energy and a special spirit. We took quite a few photos and it was a very sweet experience, thinking of our very last child graduating from high school. We went out to dinner together to Anthony's overlooking the Spokane Falls, and had a wonderful time. I am so proud of who he is and the way he has made the very most of his experience here.
Sunday night-the day after graduation- was just marvelous. They did a seminary graduation and they did such a good job with it. They had beautiful music playing as the kids each walked in and the youth sang some beautiful numbers that they had worked on. They were so well prepared. It was all memorized and so well in tune. It was beautiful singing. One of the numbers they sang was the Armies of Helaman. As Geoffrey looked towards me, (he was just a few rows in front of me and they were facing us) I could see he had big tears coming down his cheeks. Of course I had them coming down my too as we just looked at each other and he sang the song. After the evening, he came up and just gave me the biggest hug and said, "Mom, as we were singing Armies of Helaman, I thought of you and how grateful I am that you have taught me truth and taught me the ways that I should live." (Alma 56:47) We just hugged and cried together. A very very tender moment and one I am not going to forget.
Monday morning, we got up early in the morning and left in the car to take Geoffrey and Angela to school. It is not typical that I would leave the mission for this, but I had received permission from Elder Clayton to drive them down. We caravanned with Yvonne and Brandon and spent the whole day in the car. It was kind of a long drive, but it was just great having Angela long to talk with and of course Geoffrey too, although he did sleep most of the way. He and Brandon had EFY this week so we dropped him off right when we arrived. We were quite late in arriving so it was a quick good bye (probably the best for me and my emotions!) I had some time with Angela and we spent some time with Whitney to. I even went on a wedding shoot with her for a couple of hours on Tuesday morning. It was fun to see her so confident and obviously loving what she does. I also spent some time with my mom. We went out to dinner and some of the nieces and nephews came, then Angela and I spent the night there. On Wednesday morning I left to come back. And how strange to come back. All week I kept looking at the clock around 3:30 or 4—wondering what I was looking for. I guess for so many years I have had children come home around that time. Life is going to be very different. It is a good thing we have so many missionaries to keep us busy.
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