A note to Elder Mecham's mum...
Christine,
I have been at home pretty sick all week. I thought I was going to see your son on Tuesday evening at Ward Council, but I was just too sick to make it. So, I missed the chance to see him one more time. It may have been a good thing. I would have wanted to give him a hug, and I can't!
Elder Mecham shared the spiritual message with us Sunday evening. Phillipean 4:5-8 he said, "You can't have the spirit when you don't have good thoughts. The spirit can't direct you if you're not thinking good thoughts. It can be hard to keep virtuous thoughts. When you have bad thoughts, then the spirit can't help you. If you're thinking about how bad the kids are at school or homework, then you won't have the spirit with you. We are brought closer to our Heavenly Father through virtuous thoughts." Elder Mecham
I had my computer with me and typed away while he spoke. I missed a few lines here and there, but those were his words, generally.
I was impressed by his choice. I think all of us, particularly my teenagers, get negative about being here sometimes, that we're going to totally miss out. We need to be more positive. His message was definitely tailored toward our family.
Good byes aren't so fun, and when Elder Mecham left, it wasn't much of a good bye. We shook hands, had a great time with him, and that was that. But as he walked through my doorstep, he looked over his shoulder, he just had a look on his face, I'm not sure how to describe it? It was maybe bittersweet for me, but I think it was a look of confidence. I was impressed that he's ready for the next step, ya know? He's called to serve and it's time to go. It was one of those moments that just creates a little still photo in your memory.
We love your son, and will miss him, of course! Our paths crossed at a time when I think we both needed each other. Even my correspondence with you has been such a blessing while I'm so far away from friends and family, it has helped me to feel connected. We will stay in touch and follow Elder Mecham's mission blog for sure. And hopefully see him all grown up after his mission in a couple of years.
If your family decides to come pick him up here in London, you will HAVE to come over for dinner!
(I just sent the last of my photos to Costco, just from last Sunday evening. Your son has a better picture of our family with him though, he's got one where Jaxon's holding a nerf gun at the camera instead of laying his head down).
Thank you for sharing your son with us, it's been so great.
Julie