April 28, 2010

Two years ago today, I dropped Jeffrey off at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) so he could begin his mission.

He spent 8 weeks in the MTC learning Spanish and 10 weeks in the Salt Lake City South Mission waiting for his visa to Mexico.  He arrived in Veracruz in mid-September and has been busy serving in that area since that time.

And now it's all coming to a close.  He will be flying home on Thursday, May 3rd.

I am so excited to see him!

It's an interesting thing being a missionary mom.  At times it seems that he can't possibly have already been gone two years.  And at other times it seems like he has been gone forever!

Tomorrow night, I will write my 104th - and final - e-mail to Elder Jeffrey Clutter in the Mexico Veracruz Mission.

I have to admit, while I am so excited to get to see Jeffrey, part of me will also miss being a missionary mom.  It's a special club to belong to.

I'm proud of Jeffrey for choosing to serve a mission.  It's a big sacrifice, but I know he will be a better man for it.

Just 5 more days and he'll be home! 

Thomas Kinkade

Thomas Kinkade passed away today. He was only 54 - so young.

I love his art. I know a lot of people don't like it, but looking at his paintings makes me happy. I am fortunate to own reproductions of two of his pieces. The one below, Clearing Storms, is my favorite. It's hanging above my fireplace and probably will hang there as long as I'm around.

My post today is not really about his art but about how cruel people can be. A few hours after hearing that he had died, I went on Twitter and searched for his name. I wish I could say I was surprised by the many cruel comments I read, but I really wasn't.

I don't care if you don't like his work. I understand he wasn't to everyone's taste. But it would be nice if people could show some respect for a man who just died. Or maybe consider the fact that he has a family that is mourning his loss right now.

What happened to good old fashioned human decency?

RIP, Thomas Kinkade. I, along with millions of others, will miss you and your tremendous talent.

One Month!

Jeffrey will be home from his mission in one month! May 3rd is the day!

It's hard to believe he's been out 23 months already. (Actually, he hit the 23 month mark on March 28th, so he'll serve a little over 2 years).

I can't wait to see him! And hug him! And listen to him talk in his Mexican accent! And feed him whatever he wants to eat!

One month! 30 days! Woo hoo!