Eric left for the Missionary Training Center ("MTC") very early on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - the day he had been eagerly anticipating and the day I was dreading a little (let's be honest - the day your son, who happens to also be one of your best friends, leaves for two years isn't your favorite day). Even Bryanna was quick to get up super early to make the drive to the airport. She is going to miss him perhaps most of all. Since families cannot go into the MTC with their Elders anymore (a change from years past), the Church encourages you to say your goodbyes at the airport. So we checked in curbside at PHX Sky Harbor and airport security was kind enough to ignore the fact we were all out of the car saying our goodbyes. Bryanna and I cried, but Eric was so happy, it was hard to be sad. He gave us all a hug, one last extra hug for Mom, then he turned and walked into the airport, never looking back. I know in my heart all will be well with us as he serves the people of the Isles. Blessings will come to us and especially to those he serves.
I had chemo the next day, and as I lay in bed feeling horrible I thought about the sacrifice that I personally was making for Eric to go on a mission. He is always the one to text me about his day, call me and say "hey beautiful Mom, how are you?" or show up unexpectedly with a diet coke in his hand and a big smile on his face. Part of me wishes he could stay with me through all my treatment - although he was there for me in a big way when I had my surgery and post-op infection - and part of me is glad he gets to miss it. I never wanted my kids to go through all they have endured with Darrell's illness and now mine. We can't choose our experiences, but we CAN choose how we react to them. And I think serving a mission to show gratitude to the Lord for the blessings given to our family despite our trials is a great choice.
We love you Elder Hadder, and we are so proud of you.
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