Sad and Happy

34 comments
The time has finally come for Mason to leave to have his missionary training in Argentina.  Because of visa problems, his departure was delayed several weeks.  It was a little disconcerting to him to have that happen but he handled it well and the time passed quickly.  At least to me.  Mason takes things in his stride and I know that quality will serve him well while he is in Uruguay and away from home for 2 years.
I know every mother thinks her kids are special, and they should.   Mason is one of a kind.  As the youngest and with 7 sisters, it is a unique family placement for him.  But Mason has always had this sense about himself.  He is confident, fun and crazy, and also able to adapt and make friends wherever and whatever he is doing.  And he came that way.  No amount of mothering made him that way, he just is.  He has wanted to serve a mission for the LDS church for as long as I can remember.  This was his goal and not something I expected of him.  You can read more about him (if you want) in this post.  He is just a great kid.  In the last 6 weeks he has been my chauffeur and going with me to all my doctor appointments and physical therapy.  When things were tough he would come old my hand or tell me a story to keep my mind off the exercises.  He's been a big help with the girls, too.
In the short time his mission was delayed, our relationship and friendship grew to a new level.  I did shed the typical mom tears at the airport but I really have peace that this is perfect for Mason.  He called me when he arrived and told me how much fun it was just being with guys like him and talking to people about our church on the airplane.  Typical Mason - making friends wherever he goes.
This is the city of Montevideo Uruguay where he will be headed after his training.  It is a South American city with a strong Italian/European influence.  He will also, of course, spend time in the countryside of Uruguay. I do know missions are hard and the work is completely selfless.  But I do believe he can handle it and it will make him grow in ways that will make him a strong man.

So I have 2 children serving LDS missions now with Laurie in Washington and Mason going to Uruguay. I miss them terribly but I'm a delighted mother to have them choose to spend time serving others at their young ages.  They are doing things I could never have the courage or desire to do.  It is incredible when we see our children move into the world and contribute.

Pam Kitty Morning sent me this Mason soda bottle.  I have it in my sewing room.  It is kind of whimsical to me and represents the silly part of Mason.

I'm still not sewing much or blogging.  I miss my old routine terribly.  My recovery from the bursitis and other complications will take me more months but I'm working hard to get to a full functioning life.

-nanette
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34 comments

Vicki said...

Bless you, 2 missionaries at once. :) My oldest is about to turn 14 and time is going fast! I don't know what the future will bring for him as far as missionary work but maybe he'll do it. I hope you feel better soon. :)

karen @ badlandsquilts said...

Best wishes for Mason and for your recovery.

Ruth said...

In my librarian days, we had lots of LDS kids on missionary work come in and use the computers. They were, every single one, lovely, well-behaved, polite kids, both boys and girls. The nicest kids going.

Your son will do you proud.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Blessings for Mason and for you in your recovery.

donna said...

Best wishes for your Mason. Hope you get to feeling better soon my dear.
Hugs
donna

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Oh, Nanette, congratulations and condolences all at the same time. Isn't it funny how we can feel both joy and sadness all at once? I'm sure Mason will do well. He has the right heart, and how sweet that he has his very own root beer bottle there to remind you to pray for him!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

What a wonderful young man. You must be so proud. And two, so special. Get better kiddo.

Corrie said...

Hope you are feeling much better soon! Mason will do great. What a blessing to be able to serve others.

dream quilt create said...

What a sweet story about Mason and your relationship with him! My son's mission in Brazil borders Uruguay, he'll be home in 8 weeks :) I'm glad you're hanging in there and getting better. Enjoy the emails and watching Mason grow into a man...

jlk said...

My dad, brother, and cousin all served in Montevideo. They only send the best missionaries there!

Nedra said...

I know Mason will be an excellent missionary! He looks so handsome in his suit. I remember being so impressed with him even when he was a little boy. Two missionaries out at the same time. wow. Blessings your way Nanette! I miss reading your posts, and hope you can be back to your quilt therapy, rather than physical therapy soon.

Unknown said...

Wishing Mason all the best! And a very speedy recovery to you, Nanette. You are a great mom!

Anonymous said...

How exciting for Mason!!! You have raised such wonderful kids - and Mason is going to rock Uruguay! I love the "Mason" soda bottle - how fun! Is Laurie still at the same address?!? I'll get up there this week! Hope you are on the mend for real - your fans need you back, too! xo, Nan

em's scrapbag said...

Mason is a great kid. I was very impressed with him when I met him at Panguitch.

Maxine said...

God takes care of children.

Unknown said...

Hello Nanette, Ive not commented before but just wanted to drop in and say hi! Hope you are soon well x

Kindred Quilts said...

You have every reason to be a very proud mother. Best Wishes to Mason, and a speedier recovery for you Nanette!

Carrie P. said...

You should be very proud and it sounds like he is a very caring guy.

Pat said...

What a nice post...about a very nice young man (and his extra-special mother)! Hope you keep feeling stronger and stronger as the days go by.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing about Mason with us! He sounds very ready to share and be an active part of his mission…spreading love and blessings!! I wish for you a recovery that makes you strong.

Sherri said...

Thank you for this post, Nanette! It's so good to hear from you! And wonderful to hear that Mason has been able to begin his mission!

I miss Sean terribly, too, but I know he is working hard, serving others, and learning lots.

Hope you can recover fully soon and get back to sewing!

Sentimentally Me said...

How proud you are, and understandably so! Mason sounds like an amazing young man.

Did I mention to you that my middle daughter, Becca, worked on both Romney for President campaign? (We are catholic) She was a paid staffer in digital media for campaign#2 and worked at Romney HQ in Boston. First time around, it was while she was in college and she worked as an intern. She got to know the Romney family quite well the second campaign in 2012, and learned so much about your church. She shared alot of it with us, and I now have so much respect for your church's mission statement, and sending Mason off to what seems to be his calling in life, is such a tribute to you, his family, and what a man he is becoming. Well done, Nannette!

LuAnn said...

Blessings to Mason and to you, too. My maiden name was Mason, and I still think its a great name.

Mimi Sue said...

It's hard and wonderful all at the same time to have missionary children out in the world! I like what you said about mothering. Some times kids just are. No matter what we do they will do what needs to be done for them. Bless you all. Mimi

dq said...

My daughter is serving in Russia, so your post brought feelings close to home. It is such a wonderful time to have a missionary out. The blessings we receive at home are overwhelming.

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Wow Nanette -- I can't believe it's time for Mason to be gone already! What a great post and a great kid. Of course, it's no surprise -- the acorn didn't fall far from the tree. I hope your recovery is going well -- I've been missing your blog and YOU!!!

Mom E. said...

Woa, girl....
I am so glad you were able tos pend some special time with him before he left. Our only son, with four sisters, returned home from Brazil last August. II understand the SadHappiness of it all. Two missionaries out at once! You will be blessed, and I hope your recovery will be COMPLETE and you won't have any more troubles with it!
your quilts are beautiful! I have two sisters that live in Pleasant Grove.
hugs,
Betsy

Lynn said...

What a lovely post. I think every young man needs older sisters.
I hope your healing is progressing well and it won't be too long before you are back to doing everything you want. I start physical therapy tomorrow. I thought when I got my cast off my leg I'd be back to normal. I will in 10 more weeks (sigh).

•stephanie• said...

this is the sweetest post, nanette. wishing you a speedier and full recovery. having missionary children serving from your family brings the most awesome blessings. thanks for sharing your feelings!

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Anonymous said...

Nanatte,
Great post! Great mom. Great Woman.Great son.
Great family. My congratulations.
God will care you and your family.
Hope you get to feeling better soon Nanette.
God bless you.
Regards from Brazil.

Anonymous said...

And now he'll be home in just a few months! You have a seriously awesome family. I've so enjoyed scrolling down through your posts and reading about your family and your quilts. =)

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