{A SPECIAL DAY}

Lynn and I have been friends since I was 13. We go way, way back. And even though time and distance separate us I consider her one of my very best friends in the entire world. We can go long periods of time without seeing each other and then pick up like it was just yesterday. I didn't have any sisters growing up and Lynn and Angie were the next best thing. I love and cherish them and their friendship so much. My brothers kept and eye out for me and did me well by each marrying an amazing woman and now I have 2 amazing gals in my life I can call sisters. I am so thankful for them and the love and support they give to me and our family. When I married my fabulous husband I automatically inherited 4 new sisters. And then the lord has blessed me greatly with friends so close I could call them sisters. They watch out for me and support me and love me and for that I am thankful and know that I am richly blessed. I hope that one day I can give back to these wonderful women in my life as much as they have given me.

Well I know my dear friend Lynn has been looking forward to this day for a long time. Justen returned home from his mission yesterday. It was an emotional day for everyone. Even though Justen has been able to follow his families story and keep in touch by weekly emails - it is still not the same until you see first hand. It was a joyful reunion for everyone. So much has happened in the two years in which he has been gone. But I truly believe the family was so blessed because of Justen's continued service. I know I can remember the blessings that came to my family during the time when each of my brother's served missions.

“I have attended hundreds of missionary meetings over the years. I love to hear missionaries speak of their love for the Lord, but I also love to hear them speak with great appreciation and love concerning their parents. Boys who had been careless and indifferent stand on their feet and with tears in their eyes thank the Lord for their fathers and their mothers. In these days, what a salutary and wonderful thing it is to hear a strong young man stand up and speak with great feeling concerning his father and his mother, saying things he would never have said before in all of his life. Every boy and girl ought to come home with an increased love for parents.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, “Gifts to Bring Home from the Mission Field,” New Era, March 2007, 2

You can check out Lynn's Blog {here} and the Spectrum newspaper did a wonderful article on the homecoming also. Go {HERE}

My heart is so happy for my friend today as she is able to gather her entire family together. I know the little kids must be so thrilled to have him home. I know in our family we have marked on the calendar when Marissa will be home and Logan said just last night after family prayer. "When she comes home is she staying ? Why does she have to keep leaving ?" What a blessing to have a family that loves each other so much. I am so happy for Lynn and for all the joy she is feeling right now.