Thank Goodness I Don't Play Baseball...

This week has been absolutely stressful. I can't even begin to comprehend the many ranges of emotions I have felt this week. And sadly, it's only Wednesday!!!

My brother-in-law, Tyrell, had his Missionary Farewell on Sunday and if it wasn't for the fact that I had brought my autistic little brother with me to church, I would have probably been an emotional train wreck there too. Tyrell gave his farewell address and all I could think of was "Hush Henry" and "Man, he has seriously grown into a missionary overnight."

I sadly can't remember what his farewell address was on, however I do remember sitting there and reflecting on the first time I had really sat down and met with Tyrell. 

Mitch and I had only been on a few dates then. Tyrell, Ciara, Mitch, Abbi, and I all sat downstairs around a card table, playing Apples to Apples. Tyrell was absolutely horrid at it! He is the most logical player I have ever met! If the green card were to say 'Dirty', Tyrell would have laid down 'Dirt'. It was sad, really! I remember everyone teasing him because we knew exactly what card he had laid down the minute we flipped it over. We jokingly said things like "Wow, Tyrell. You seriously put this card down?"

He was fine with the teasing until the game was almost over and he realized that he hadn't won any cards. Then he was upset and claimed that we were all obnoxious. 

On Sunday, I got to see a mature Tyrell who was so forward thinking it was obnoxious! But it was also wonderful. He listened to every word we said, and spoke about his mission as if it were the most precious (yet practical) thing in the world. He was seriously preparing right before my eyes. 

I think this was the greatest blessing for me. To see how much a mission can change someone and my love for my brother-in-law has grown exponentially as I have seen him "all growed up."

On a better note, yesterday was Tyrell's last day at home! We ate his last meal together, listened to his last song together, and even sent his last text together. It was really very funny thinking of all the things he wouldn't be able to do. Funny for me. Not for him.

Mitch and I went with him to his ordination to the office of an Elder. It was so sweet and I pretty much sobbed like a baby. I've never ever had an experience like that and it was beautiful to hear my mother-in-law and father-in-law bear their testimony of the gospel. I gave Tyrell the biggest, teariest, snottiest hug I could manage and we went home for ice cream and tissues. 

I'm so proud of Tyrell!! He is officially gone as of 8:00 o' clock this morning. He is serving the Lord and serving the people of South Dakota (and all bordering states) and I know that he will be blessed for his obedience!

So, in general,