Cherished Dimples in Time...

I can't believe it's been nearly a full month since I last posted an article here. Our lives have been full this past month with the arrival of our son Matthew-- fresh from the mission field.

It was an amazing experience welcoming an adult child home from the mission field in Russia.

One of the things I puzzled over before he arrived, was a sadness I felt when I realized that I was reading his very last e-mail before he left for home. It might sound strange to you as a reader that I would feel that way, so allow me to explain...

For two full years we have only had one e-mail a week from our son in Russia. They have a P-day where they take care of personal things such as laundry, grocery shopping, a group activity and letter writing and e-mailing home. We anticipated that letter each and every week with thanksgiving and excitement as we turned on the computer. Often we read about adventures and near accidents and joy. Other days about uplifting spiritual experiences only found while helping and teaching other children of God and giving compassionate service to the sick, the old and the lost souls they found. There were times of personal sorrow and illness where we were able to pray fervently for our sons and encourage and uplift them as well.

Following my husbands accident, I was able to keep our sons updated on Terry's progress and I know both our missionary sons were grateful for those letters and anticipated more news each week about his recovery. I tried my very best to do so in a way that wouldn't overly worry them and found that I became more positive and hopeful myself for the experience.

Over time I prayed more, studied more and gained a deeper perspective of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned about myself as a mother and how deeply indeed I loved my sweet sons.

I became mindful of how our Heavenly Father listens to and answers our prayers. Miracles came our way as a family before, during and after Terry's accident and I recognized those miracles for what they were...

I cannot help but think that our sons willingness to serve allowed me to grow to a depth I knew I wouldn't have found, had they chosen not to serve. Their service was far reaching into lives of so many and I'm forever grateful for their personal sacrifice of two full years of their lives.

It's amazing how simple obedience to a promise to write home to mom and dad each week, caused so much growth in us all. We pray more, we write more, we study with more dilegence than we did two years ago. We ponder deeper meaning in our lives and in our faith. It has brought extended family closer as we pray for our sons well being and success in finding souls to bring to Christ. Some of those might have been so lost, had it not been for the prayers said on their behalf.

Missing a weekly e-mail now for me has been replaced with something even better this month. I'm blessed to sit face to face with a young man, my son, who is now a grown man. We've spent hours catching up on all the things we didn't write about in our letters to each other. I've cherished every moment, gotten to know the man who's face has changed in subtle ways. Gone are soft plains of youth I knew so well. Although the cherished dimples I so love, remain the same. Thank goodness!

The quiet wisdom he gained in two years of full time service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, set well on my sons shoulders. I'm excited to see what is in store for this quiet man of faith in the years to come. Soon I'll be doing this all over again when his elder brother, Jason, comes home in three weeks. Oh how how I revel in the love I have for all my children. What a blessing it has been to cherish each of them for so long. My life is so full and so rich. I'm so grateful to a Heavenly Father who gave me so many cherished memories of their youth and future so full of hope and love. It's an amazing feeling!

Next post I'll write about his homecoming and post the photo's after I've gathered them from relatives. Have a great day everyone. Take time to hug those kids tight! They grow up far too fast and it's important to take advantage of each moment. I know this mom is so glad she did. Dimples aren't the only things I've cherished. I thank Heavenly Father daily that their lives have been my blessings.