Southwick: Our Forever Family: Welcome Home Elder Southwick!

On Tuesday, July 1st, Daniel finished his two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There were so many moments over the last two years that I felt like he had been gone forever. I felt like time was moving at a snail's pace; however, the last couple of weeks, I've felt like he was just gone for the blink of an eye. Danny has been my roller coaster kid. He has thrown me for loops, terrified me, and, at times, even made me laugh. I will admit that I have been a little nervous for him to come home. I have loved the relationship we nurtured while he was out. I feel like we were finally able to connect in ways that were difficult to do when he was home. I didn't want that to end. I could see how much being on the mission strengthened his faith and his resolve to do good. I could see that pesky little frontal lobe of the brain developing more and more. He seemed happier and more at peace with himself too. I was (and still am to an extent) worried how he would adjust to adult life. (The jury is still out, but so far so good.) It's been so much fun having him home and witnessing his growth first hand. Jeff and I have had to remind ourselves that the Danny we were most familiar with (our roller coaster buddy) has grown up, and we need to acknowledge that growth. I have been very proud of him. I have seen his humility, grace, and strength. I have seen him make great choices to get himself set up for adulthood (e.g., get a job, finalize school stuff, etc.) I don't know what life has in store for him...but life better get ready because he's coming! And he will succeed in whatever he decides to do.

July 1st seemed to come quick! I was grateful that he had a morning arrival time because it would have been hard to wait all day. All the kids plus the Tanners, Nichole, Kate, Gma Penny, Katie, and Brad joined us at the airport. Jonas decided he wanted to make a quick poster in the car when we drove up. The Tanner boys and Laurin made some too. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait too long (although the little kids seemed to think it was forever) before we saw a red headed returned missionary waltz through the arrival gates. I was surprised at how emotional I got as I walked toward him to give him a hug. It was a much better hug than the hug we had to give him when we dropped him off at the MTC! I like "welcome home" hugs much better. We all had a chance to give him a hug before we collected his luggage (that miraculously made it to Utah! He had it completely duct taped!) then headed to Cafe Rio in Payson for lunch.

After lunch, we went to the stake center for him to be released. He was asked to share his witness of Christ with us. It is a powerful witness from a young man who has been blessed by Christ's saving grace. I was sad to see him take off his missionary name badge. This has probably been the most transformative time in his life. I know chapters in life have to end and new ones can be exciting too...I just hope this chapter influences the chapters to come.

Finally, we made it back to the house where he wanted to drop into the pool by the crane with his missionary clothes on. I think, more than anything, he just needed something productive to do and working with the crane helped him do that. I think that's where he struggled the most on those first few days home - just finding enough to do. He wasn't ready to sit idle. Thankfully, he was able to get a job about a week after being home so he has been able to keep himself busy. Well...once the crane was out, he wasn't the only one who wanted to drop in. Jonas and Kate did it too. We spent the rest of the day swimming and just hanging out at the house.

On Sunday, July 13th, he had his missionary homecoming at church. He was able to deliver his testimony of Jesus Christ with the congregation as he shared stories of how Christ's love changed the lives of the people he met in Kansas. After his talk, we gathered back at the house for a cereal bar. There were so many incredible people - family and friends - that came to support Danny. Unfortunately, I only snagged one picture because I was so busy chatting with everyone.