the percussionist and the luchador

Let me begin by thanking everyone for the support and empathy offered last week when I wrote about my motherly concerns.  #3 returned from his trip with the marching band tonight, feeling better.  Even though while he was gone the doctor called to tell us the strep culture did come back positive (after the swab in the office was negative).  After a good night's sleep in his own bed I am hoping he will be back to his voice-cracking, smarty-pants self in the morning.

And a letter from the missionary reassured us that although he was contemplative in his letter last week, that he was fine.  He is figuring things out as far as his own purpose is concerned.  He would like to have more contact and success with people he is teaching, but maybe it is his time to grow right now.  Maybe he will be the "one soul brought unto Him".  He is faithful and bold.  He has always been the one in the family to jump up and share his testimony of the gospel.  He knows what matters.  And even though I know these things about him, I still have that motherly concern.  It is involuntary, as many of you will agree.  But this picture helped to make me feel better.

20 comments

CiCi | November 7, 2010 at 4:39 AM

Motherly concern is something we can't put aside and for me I wouldn't want to. Caring about our grown children without interfering in their lives is a blessing too. Great picture, and shows his fun spirit.

Kim | November 7, 2010 at 6:58 AM

I know from many experiences our motherly concerns can consume us, but my favorite part of your whole post is "Maybe he will be the "one soul brought unto Him". Having my missionary out, that has been the goal I wished for him the entire time and when I get the contemplative letters I see that Heavenly Father is giving him time to grow. And then I even get more excited because it's his choice and that makes me smile :) Hang in there. We all need a little motherly concern from time to time, even when we're in our 40's. Happy that all is well.

mermaid gallery | November 7, 2010 at 7:19 AM

Your sons seem so centred and sane that I wonder if they should be worrying about their Mom! I think Moms worry just because.....

Marianne | November 7, 2010 at 8:54 AM

It's UNCANNY. I have a picture of my missionary in a very similar mask...pulling an almost identical face. These boys... :-)

Lesa | November 7, 2010 at 10:57 AM

Sons are the best. Being a mom to sons is precious.

wendy | November 7, 2010 at 1:02 PM

That picture was GREAT. Oh these missionaries , they can be so funny sometimes. Those young men are full of spit and vinegar.
That mask made me think of the movie Nacho Libre (or whatever ir was) or was is Macho Libre????

I know you are breathing easier knowing the boys are fine .

Connie | November 7, 2010 at 4:16 PM

Yes, he is a fighter! I remember, over the years, getting letters from my missionaries that totally concerned me because of their feelings of inadequacy. Then next week, BOOM! Something happened during the week that opened avenues, inspired, or kicked them in the behind. Their letters would be so much better! Glad #2 is feeling better about life. Love the picture!
I hope #3 was able to enjoy his trip! It's miserable to be away from home feeling sick!

amber_mtmc | November 7, 2010 at 7:38 PM

Wow! Strep? Eck!

Reading about your son serving a mission reminded me of my brother who is also serving a mission.

My brother is currently serving in Peru and really struggling with companion issues. It makes me sad because he is such a dedicated and amazing person, but many of his companions don't really feel that fire. Everyday I want to write and tell him that his mission is for him not for his companions, but I don't. I think about him all the time and worry about how he is handling his mission stuff. And now I'm rambling.

I love that picture. : )

CB | November 7, 2010 at 8:37 PM

I love the picture. I am also glad to hear that both your boys are doing fine or at least, on the mend.
We are blessed because we do have that motherly concern. I wouldn't trade it for the world even though sometimes it can make our hearts hurt. Peace!

Robin | November 7, 2010 at 9:49 PM

I've seen that face many times. It looks much more impressive with the mask.

Glad you're feeling more at peace.

The Way I See It | November 7, 2010 at 10:34 PM

That picture would make any mother feel better. What a crack-up. Love that kid.

Joanie | November 8, 2010 at 1:32 AM

Happy to hear that everyone is doing better. It is hard to be so far away from your kids. A learning experience for everyone.

charrette | November 8, 2010 at 4:20 AM

I'm glad you got some reassurance. Adam is hilarious.

Miss Tinselly | November 8, 2010 at 7:17 AM

That's the Adam we know and love!

Bossy Betty | November 8, 2010 at 9:09 AM

As a mother of sons, I totally understand your concern. Glad to hear he is feeling better.

The Crash Test Dummy | November 8, 2010 at 10:11 AM

I lub you. And how you share your motherly concerns.

My bro went to Spain and it killed him that he didn't have a single baptism. Really killed him. He never got over it. It's a tricky tight rope walk. I will pray for your boy to walk the line with perspective.

Also, glad your other boy is home safe. Hope it all went well.

Is that you I see on Facebook singing a song? Holy cow. I've got to go watch that gig.

Ly

Barbaloot | November 8, 2010 at 4:02 PM

I can see how that picture would make you feel better about the welfare of your son:)

Charlotte | November 9, 2010 at 6:14 AM

I'm glad things are in a better place now. Amazing what a few days can do!

LisAway | November 15, 2010 at 12:58 AM

How could a picture like that not cheer a mother up? :) Glad everything is looking up. Weird to think that the experiences your missionary is having now will make him and even more remarkable person.

Jenny Lynn | November 17, 2010 at 8:22 AM

Motherly concern is we me all the time these days. Wish I could blog more openly about it as I am sure there is so much others could share with me on how to deal some things. OR just a sympathetic ear would be nice. Since my extended family, who knows more than I reads my blogs... I can't openly share.

It is a roller coaster this thing called motherhood.... I would like to get off and enjoy the merry go round for a just a bit.