(I’m getting ready for a big trip, so I’ve been ignoring my blog. Or I’ve been leaving my lovely family pictures up, in hopes that you’ll shower me with more compliments. You decide.)
But I couldn’t not acknowledge this.
My brother Sam gets home from his mission tomorrow. And I really cannot put into words how in awe of him I am. But since it’s me, I’ll give it the old college try.
He was the craziest kid in the world. It’s truly no exaggeration. There are some pretty fun stories to tell about Sam from the ages of 2 until 15.
And then it got kind of sad. He struggled with some things. He kept trying and did a lot of good things during those years, but sometimes it was sad and frustrating to watch.
But he always, ALWAYS, wanted to go on a mission. I know it was because of the example of his dad, and two older brothers, and a testimony that was rooted deep in his heart.
He had great parents, great bishops and friends and, when he was ready, he did the work and was worthy to serve a mission. (See this short post, when he left.)
And then he just ROCKED his mission. He was unbelievably focused (that ADHD hyper-focusing can really come in handy sometimes), completely committed and unwaveringly obedient. He loved his mission—we’re trying to remind what there is to love about coming home! His emails exuded love for his companions, the families he served and the Lord. I don’t know if I heard him say one negative thing during the whole two years.
He has been such an example to me and my family. I rave and rave about him, whenever people ask. I have rarely been this proud of anyone in my life.
“And if it so be that ye should labor all your days…and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father.” (D&C 18:15)
How great shall be your joy.
18 comments:
Missions are the greatest!!! They change your life and your heart if you let them! The relationships you develop with the Savior and the people you serve change you forever! Sam great missionaries like you ROCK!!!!!!
*Tears*... Happy Tears!
What a great guy! I would be so proud too if I were you...
I love to see missionaries who love what they are doing!!! It makes me just want to hug them - but I stay away & smile & feed them dinner.
What an uplifting post! I am impressed by your brother and his determination. What a great example for your children.
One of the fun things about coming home from a mission is dating! And I have a niece at BYU who is darling and smart...
Awesome post. I got chills reading it.
Chills here too!
I saw Sam at Nate's wedding before he left and I was so excited to hear then that he was determined to serve a mission. Sam's a great guy, always so kind to me and striving to be as good as his heart is. He's an inspiration to me and I'm so glad that he took the opportunity to serve!
Why am I crying?...I don't even know the kid...
I know why...because it is all so wonderful and I am so happy for him that he had a wonderful and focused mission.
I got chills, too. This was wonderfully written, Jessica. You can feel your love for him.
I remember reading the original post two years ago. It was right before I revealed myself and I was your faithful lurker...and I didn't know about lurking and I thought I was doing something morally wrong...but I wouldn't stop reading your blog.
Awww!! That's so sweet Jessica! We have great brothers! I'm so excited he'll be here tomorrow! Yay!! Can't wait to see you and Faith for his "homecoming" talk!
Of course I love this post. I love missionaries. Though I miss my kid, I wouldn't have him anywhere else. He loves it too. Modern day missionary miracles.
I can speak first hand because I knew Sam growing up, and he was indeed crazy. He was hyper as one could be....and got in trouble a lot for it. But he was adorable and you knew he had a great heart, and he did crack me up, I must admit. So yeah....wow...to think he is all grown up and rocked a mission....that is truly wonderful and such an accomplishment. I am happy for him, and your whole family to be able to enjoy that sweet success and pride. Very cool
I'm all teary right now. GO SAM!! I love you! Now I'm really crying. I'm so proud of him. SO PROUD. I'll repent of the pride later. Seriously, THAT is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Miracles happen. It changes people's lives and when you have a testimony of this gospel, you can not deny the power of Christ. He can take anything, any challenge, any hard thing and turn it into something beautiful. Believe me, I know. You know. Now I'm sobbing.
And how is he already home? HOW? I can't believe it's been 2 years.
I'm soo happy right now. I'll be glowing into tomorrow.
Way to go Sam!!
I love posts about crazy ADHD boys named Sam who grow up and succeed.
I have a crazy ADHD boy named Sam. You can meet him soon and tell me if you see potential.
Congrats to your brother. Judging from his darling smile, I think once he's released, he'll have a whole army of girls ready to help him adjust to real life.
LOVE this post! Is it weird that I really needed to hear something like this even though I don't know your brother, and I am not even near the stage of sending my kids off on a mission. It just touches my heart so THANK YOU once again for sharing!!!
YEAH Sammy!! Well done FOR SURE!!
When is the welcome home? I may be in town??
Aloha!!
This is awesome! Get Sam in touch with my brother Donald, he could use a good friend who has had a similar situation and changed for the better.
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