Jared is gone for the rest of the week. He is on a Pioneer Trek with a couple hundred other kids/adults from our church. They will spend the next four days living as close to an authentic pioneer life as possible - wearing 1800's clothes (except for the shoes - sneakers were allowed), walking for many miles each day, pushing handcarts, sleeping under the stars each night. They were only allowed to bring one change of clothes, a simple bedroll, no deoderant or toothpaste (they'll be provided with baking soda), no pillow or electronics. The picture above is dark because I took it at 5am this morning, just before I dropped him off. I am very excited for him to have this experience. I think it will help him appreciate ALL the many blessings that we so often take for granted these days. And I hope it will give him a greater, first-hand appreciation of what our early pioneer ancestors went through to help ensure their (and because of them, our) religious freedoms.
But honestly, it just really stinks not having him around. I miss him. I miss hearing his voice announcing, "Hey mom, check out this soccer move!" a dozen times a day. I hate the hole that I feel when I think of something funny to tell him, then realize he's not there to hear it. I hate the inconvienence of not having him around when I need his help with something. But mostly, I just miss his companionship. Like my friend, Jessica, often says, these kids are my "little friends" and I really, genuinely, enjoy hanging out with them.
I may suck big time at much of the whole Motherhood role. I know that I have a loooooong way to go before I can say, "Yep, I've got this Being A Mom thing down pat!" But one thing I do have going for me is that I just really like my kids.
And I miss them, painfully & pathetically, when they're not around.
Hurry home, Jared!
5 comments:
I think the pregnancy hormones have begun...
JUST KIDDING!!
I feel the same way. Morgan was gone most of the day playing at a friends house (just blocks away) and I was sad all day thinking that she's going to be in 1st grade next year. She'll be gone most of the day for school & I'm going to be so sad!! I guess that's how we "grow" as mother's.
Lucky for us, there is no mommy manual. So, I think the way we do it, is the best way possible. I can just tell you are an amazing mom, in your Brooke way. And what a gift you are giving your children!
This is an amazing experience he is about to have. I can hardly wait to hear about it and to then share it with my children.
Can you say "Huck Finn"? He looks great!
I've been thinking about the kids constantly, wondering what they're doing now, how hot is it, who are their mas and pas, do they like their family, do they have blisters yet, are they complaining or enjoying themselves....I can't wait to hear their stories!
I did the pioneer trek just before I turned 15 and it was amazing! It was life changing. Some of the boys went from horrible to be around to my "brother" forever. I even caught a turkey and then watched as they killed and plucked it for supper. (Yeah, I watched)
I cried just the other day thinking about my boys going on missions. I want it, but I will be so sad to see them go.
Both you and your kiddos are awesome!!
I can't wait to hear the stories as well. I keep thinking of his comfort level. Is he too hot, is he too cold? Is he bonding with the other kids. I am really excited to hear all about their experiences on fast sunday!
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