vanessa G

My little brother just got home from his mission. I remember the day we dropped him off at the MTC. The car ride to Provo he kept pretty quiet, as did the rest of us. I remember he made his last and final "text" on his phone, turned it off, and looked forward like it was no big deal. He was officially cut off from the world and I remember the panic I felt of knowing I couldn't just text him freely like I had before. I cried during the entire MTC welcome program, whatever those are called. I cried when I saw him hug Jenna goodbye, because she was crying. I didn't know until later that they weren't as close as I thought. I cried when I saw my dad pace the halls, wiping away his tears. I cried when I saw my mom in the rearview mirror discreetly quivering as she wiped her tears with a damp napkin. Our favorite Richard was leaving for two years. I kept telling myself that it was a good thing, and that I'd write him every week, and that it would fly by in a flash.

Friday evening at 6 pm, we all gathered at the Pocatello airport, anxious to see him. Two years had flown by, but two years is too long to be away from my little brother. He missed my wedding, something I really wanted him to be a part of. I even considered waiting just one more year until he got home, but it's probably best I didn't. He missed two years of major growth within the family unit. Two marriages, two births, and one job transfer so my dad could come back to Pocatello permanently. I know all of our lives were touched because of his choice to serve a mission, and I think he saw that within the first ten minutes of being home.

We watched his plane land, watched him walk down the stairs in his suit and backpack. He was greeted first by my mom. Happiest I've ever seen her. I looked at him and had a hard time recognizing my little brother. He was a man now! He saw me and we both just smiled from ear to ear. One of the best moments of my entire existence. We hugged and joked, I gave him permission to greet the rest of the family, because we could have hugged and talked for the rest of the night.

I still haven't had much one on one with him, but I'll give him a week or two to get settled in. Since he's been home, he's been on everyone's radar; I wish everyone would leave him alone. He's too nice to say 'no.' But I bet he would rather keep busy since that's what he's used to. He spoke in church today. Spoke about palm Sunday, conference, and Easter. All of my favorite things rolled into one. Then the choir sang and the spirit was totally ignited. Yes, again I cried, and I cried when my brother started crying, because I don't think I have ever seen him express emotion.

I love him so much. I'm sooo glad he's home. I hope we stay close for the rest of our lives, as much as I know he's old enough to fly on his own.

Richard's back, but now my little sister is gone. For a year. My poor mother. This is the only thing about being a mother that scares me; having my children leave me and come back a slightly different person, even if it's for the better. I don't know if I'll ever be mentally capable to let my babies go.