January 2nd

I have long remembered Jan. 2nd as a significant day in my life, but for a slightly different reason than now.

On January 2, 1997 I cried. I got up early, put on a suit and tie, and along with my family and some friends, headed to the Airport in Midland Texas. On this day I was leaving on my mission to Brazil for 2 years! I new Brazil was where I was suppose to be, and where Heavenly Father needed me, but it was hard to leave my family for that long, even with that knowledge. Some of my Siblings started crying before me, but it didn't really hit me until I saw my dad crying, partially because I had never seen that before. Then I just cried like a baby even after getting on the plane. But there was one who didn't cry. My baby sister Kayleigh was smiling and happy. Even as I was walking toward the plane still crying I remember turning around for one last wave goodbye and seeing her smiling at me as she waved!

On January 2, 2009 I cried again. Once again it was time to say goodbye! This time it was Kayleigh's turn to go. Heavenly Father had a much better place, and an important mission for her so he called her home. And although I have that knowledge and and know that just like when I went on my mission, there will in this case be a homecoming one day and we will get to see Kayleigh again, I cried. Once again, for me the seperation will be hard and I will miss her. Though I did not see her before her departure, I thing she was smiling and waiving as she left, knowing we can again be together, and knowing that although we needed her for so many years, Heavenly Father needs her more now.