One year down

This month marks 1 year since Michael left for his mission.  The year has gone by pretty fast and so much has happened.  I don't know whether to laugh or cry.  I've been doing more of both in the past year than I have in the 20 years since Michael was born.  I read an email once from one of the Mom's from the Missionary Moms group that I belong to and she talked about how so many Mom's talk about all of the many blessings that their families received while their missionary was serving.  She on the other hand said that she had received more trials while their missionary was serving than blessings.  I thought that was interesting.  I can so relate to this Mom! I do know that it is after the trial of our faith that the blessings come. (Ether 12:6)  However, while it seems that we have been in the midst of trials since before Michael left, I have also recognized so many blessings in spiritual things.  Yesterday as we said goodbye to Bryce as he left for scout camp and thinking about all of the yw and leaders leaving for girls camp, I cried, I felt humbled and dependent so much on my Heavenly Father.  Today I woke up laughing about our situation.  I dont know why it just seemed comical to me..... It was as if the spirit was whispering...."just hang on and enjoy the ride, take it all in, and learn from the experience".  I am so thankful for this past year and all that I have learned and continue to learn.  Michael is serving his Father in Heaven so faithfully and loving every minute of it and for that I am extrememly thankful!  He is a great kid and deserves to be having the time of his life!  One year down and one more to go!