"I'm comin' home
I'm comin home
Tell the world that I'm comin home..."
.......So, there's that. :) But in all seriousness, I have some of the best news ever!!!!
My younger brother (can't call him "little brother" anymore, multiple reasons to be explained later) came home from his LDS mission, serving the Lord in Bangalore, India! He was there for two years, which is really hard to believe. In some ways, it seems like he just left. In others, its been AGES since I've seen him!!!
If you know anything about my relationship with Brent, you know that we were pretty much inseparable growing up. When we were really young... well, scratch that... all growing up (before I left for college), we'd have periodic sleepovers in my room. I had a love-hate relationship with that. I remember one night, he was on the top of a bunk bed and had brought some kind of treat to bed on a small plate. He finished his munching and went to drop the plate on the floor, but it careened right into my favorite music-playing snow globe, shattering the glass to pieces. I was pretty livid. I may or may not have thrown him out of my room that night.... On the other hand, I LOVED nights like Christmas Eve where we were so excited, we couldn't sleep, so we'd sneak into each other's rooms and guess what we might receive the following morning.
Brent has seen me through all phases of my life. My mom worked a bit while we were pretty young and I kind of automatically assumed the role of surrogate mother. I taught him to color (yelling at him to stay inside the lines, otherwise he was "wasting the crayon..." I'd get him ready for school, pick him up after class, walk him home, maybe get him a snack, help with homework and SCREAM at him to do his part of the massive chore list awaiting our return... (Ugh... HATED those lists... but there they were...) Its really crazy to think of how we ever became so close considering how bad our screaming fits could get. It shocks me I was capable of that at such a young age... Hoping I grew out of it. (I think my chances are pretty good since I haven't screamed at anyone since...) Brent has been my rock through really trying times where I didn't really know who I was or what I wanted from life or the eternities. He never judged, he just listened and loved. He was my partner in crime, my "court jester", my best friend. It was really hard for me when he left. I knew in my heart of hearts, this was the right thing for him and it would hold so much growth and change, but it didn't make it any easier emotionally.
He was an amazing missionary. It doesn't feel appropriate to get into the nitty gritty, but seriously, he was amazing. Such an incredible example of strength, patience, faith and positivity ALL throughout his mission. Our family has received countless blessings from his service and example. Some much needed lessons I hope will help us all grow closer.
Brent was scheduled to come home on Saturday, March 1st. He made it from India to Germany to Denver, CO, when his last leg of his flight was cancelled due to weather. My heart panicked at the thought of him being stranded. I've always been protective, I think I always will be. Long story short, we were blessed with the miracle of my brother Alan being in the airport at the same time and we received permission from our stake president for the three travelling missionaries to stay at Alan's for the night, awaiting their final flight the following day. I felt such overwhelming peace and gratitude for such a tender mercy for these dog-tired missionaries, especially my little "Bwenny Wennies."
I didn't get much out of church to be completely honest. I kept glancing at the flight tracker, apprehensive that his flight would again be delayed or cancelled. To everyone's great relief and excitement, he made it on the plane and on his way home.
This was the first pic I got of him booking it down the causeway. He literally broke into a super fast walk as soon as he came into view. We could hear him laughing the whole way down. :)
He went straight to my Mom. He didn't even see the banner I had made to welcome him home, he was so focused on her. (She's lost a TON of weight since she left. He just kept saying, "You're so skinny! You're so skinny!")
Brent hugging one of my nieces, whose name I prefer to keep confidential. She was so excited, it was adorable. She actually ran to meet him across the hall, but he didn't even realize it was her. Haha!
I didn't get any pictures after that, he made his rounds hugging people. When he came to me, I felt like I couldn't hug him tight enough!!! It was such a perfect moment. He immediately said, "I missed you so much." I couldn't help but cry. HOWEVER, I was proud of myself. I mostly kept it together! I was anticipating crying a lot more than I did, but oh well! Haha.
The rest of the day we spent as a partial family, Alan's family in Denver, Aaron's sick with the "dread gombu" (as my Mom calls it.) He was released about two hours after getting home and we had a wonderful meal by my mom. He was so confused by the use of utensils again, it gave us all a good laugh.
That evening, he broke out some of the treasures he brought back from India. Unfortunately, being so tired and travelling so far, he forgot one of his carry-on's in Germany with most of the goodies. :( We're all hoping to recover it quickly. He had purchased an authentic Saree for me for a wedding gift, which he had on hand. It is so beautiful! I need to figure out how to wear and tie it properly, but that will be a fun adventure! Amidst the fun, he donned an authentic tunic and pants with matching shoes. I can't remember the name of them... but a very fitting look for him!
The shoes remind me of Aladdin. :)
All in all, SUCH a great weekend. SO grateful for his safe return, for the light he brings into our home. I am so grateful for the man he's become, the testimony that emanates from him everywhere he goes. Just being around him, I feel uplifted and blessed. I wish there were adequate words to express how I feel about him and just how grateful I am to have such an amazing person for my little brother. He will always and forever hold a very special place in my heart. Love him.
Here is an excerpt from the last e-mail I sent to him in the field that I think best encapsulates how I feel:
"Today I was overwhelmed by how much I love you. You mean the absolute world to me. I sometimes think of what it will be like to watch you grow older, to see you pursue your hopes and dreams. My heart just swells with love and adoration thinking of seeing you after long periods of time apart, maybe on a holiday or something, seeing how much you've grown and changed. I feel so proud of you in those thoughts, seeing the way you challenge and overcome hardships. I think back to our childhood years, remembering playing with your castle and pirate ship or the funny Lord of the Rings parody you made with Mark... How you were so young, so full of life, and how that liveliness has only carried through to who you are now... I picture you as a father, little kids climbing on your lap, begging for your attention, pleading, "Daddy, daddy..." and I just imagine sitting there, soaking in the view with a smile on my face, almost in disbelief that you're the same kid that loved to build forts and drink chocolate milk. I pray that no matter what happens in our lives or where we are that we will find a way to stay close always. I can't imagine my life without you. I love you so so much."
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