Absolutely Awesome Eight: Brinley's Missionary Departure

April was a busy month. Brinley finished up her finals, moved out of her apartment, then packed up for a last minute trip to Hawaii with Tanner. We are happy it worked out for her to visit G-parents serving a mission in Oahu so it wouldn't be 3 years before they saw each other. Tanner hadn't seen G-ma and G-pa M since August 2016 so it was an awesome reunion all the way around. Alison and Sariah are Brinley's closest cousins and both are graduating from high school with their own college/mission plans on the horizon. We are grateful everyone was able to connect for a few days before Brinley's departure.

Grant, Tanner, G-pa M
Isaac, Brinley, Alison, Sariah, G-ma M

Hawaii Visitor's Center
Brinley, Alison, Sariah, Grant, Isaac, Tanner

dinner with Jared & Stephanie's family, G-ma & G-pa M

We know they enjoyed their time with extended family, relaxing on the beach and just having some down time before returning to the mainland. Tanner and Brinley arrived home just a few hours before Aaron and I got back from Australia. Saturday we were all busy doing laundry and prepping for Easter Sunday and Brinley's opportunity to speak in church.

April 21 - Easter Sunday

Easter morning was pleasantly simple. Grateful for these three beautiful daughters!

Brinley's assigned topic was how the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help us in our challenges. She did a fantastic job and there was a great spirit in the sacrament meeting. After church, family and friends gathered for an Easter meal of ham, potatoes, salads, rolls and desserts. Everyone lingered a while (except Chris and girls) so I was able to get a few pics before they left.

Brinley with Whitney, Matt & Oliver

Garrett, Bryant, Bennett, Brinley, Bonnie, Lillian

Jenna, Hilary, Jameson, Brinley, AJ, Britton, Korinne

Brinley with Great G-pa LaVerne (age 96)

G-pa Price with Brinley

G-ma, Brinley, G-pa

Tanner & LaVerne

roomies w/ Haley & Aubrey

cutting more ham

Kevin (not shown) & Gena, Kathy Beal, LaVerne

Jantzen & Britton

G-ma P organized an Easter Egg Hunt and the kids were thrilled. The wind and rain weren't a deterrent for any of them. Thanks G-ma for providing a little fun and treats for their school lunches!

Jantzen & Britton with AJ & Jameson after egg hunt

Heather, Garrett, Bonnie, Steve

Jane & Matt Smith with Aaron

Final family meal together at Red Rabbit

The next 48 hours were spent wrapping up life with friends and family as Brinley has known it.

Tuesday evening Brinley was set apart for full-time missionary service by President Nephi Gibson (2nd counselor in Henry's Fork Stake Presidency) with Aaron and Tanner standing in the circle. Each member of the family was given the opportunity to share a little advice and brief testimony with Brinley. Aaron was also able to give Brinley a father's blessing later that night. I cried - a lot.

Wednesday morning - everyone was up bright and early. We had our last family prayer together and went our separate ways for the day. Aaron and I drove Brinley to the Provo MTC and took a few pictures around the temple before our final good-byes for 18 months.

The last thing to do was put luggage tags on her suitcases. We stopped at the store that morning and picked some up. Funny we did the exact same thing the day we took Tanner to the MTC. We even ate lunch at the same Zupa's location prior to dropping our missionaries off. It wasn't planned - just worked out that way. Aaron said our last prayer in the car then we drove to the drop-off point now located in an underground parking garage (rather than curbside as it was with Tanner).

Our final hugs and she was off - JUST. LIKE. THAT. It's a surreal feeling to pull away from the MTC and I won't say I didn't shed a few more tears. A parent has to experience it for themselves to understand the range of emotions that flood through your heart and mind at such a time. Thinking about Tanner's FB post/tribute to Brinley gets me every time. I couldn't find a better way to capture it than take a pic with my phone -

Dear Dallas TX,

Although you and I have never met, we're sending you someone very special. Her name is Brinley...but you'll know her mostly as Sister Marcum. She's been my buddy since 1999. She'll care for you, serve you, love you, and bring a special message from God to you and those you love. Please, please take good care of her. Listen to her. Be kind to her. Love her. You'll be glad you did.

Love,

Big Brother

ENJOY YOUR MISSION BRIN! WE LOVE YOU!

P.S. She is already a cowgirl...swipe all the way right for photo proof.