My Parents Actually Left Us

I've been my parents' kid for my whole life, and usually I've been the one leaving them. I went to kindergarten and college. I got married and started my own family. I was comfortable with this I-leave-you-but-you're-always-there-in-the-same-place relationship. Ya know?

The tables have turned, people! I'm still here in Utah while my parents are in Texas. It wasn't exactly The Rapture, but I've been LEFT BEHIND! And it is a little bit strange. 

My parents had a wonderful week in the Missionary Training Center. We found out that the MTC has a napping room for senior missionaries who live locally and don't have a room at the MTC but still need a little mid-day snooze. Isn't that awesome! Other missionaries in my parents' group were going to more exotic places such as the Congo and Armenia. On second though, exotic probably isn't the best word to describe those two particular locales. The Armenia couple was going back for the third time...not because they loved it so much but because the mission president had trouble finding any other couples who were willing to go there. I'm not exactly sure why Armenia is so bad, but someone mentioned something about a lack of running water.

On Monday night of my parents' MTC week, we had family home evening at Felicia's house. It was also Grandma Sandberg's birthday, so we had a strange ice cream flavor for dessert and some strangely delicious brownies made by Felicia.

My parents were in town for Aaron's birthday, so they came and had dinner and cake with us that night. Alan was there, too. (Speaking of being left behind, Alan got a real airplane-flying job. Farewell free babysitter and totally awesome person. We will miss you.) Happy 33rd birthday, Aaron!

And then on Friday my parents treated Felicia, Kaylee, and me to the BYU Homecoming Spectacular. It was great! And I ran into Kevin Worthen, BYU President, at the water fountain. He was blocking it. But he politely moved when I asked him to. 

 Yes, that Y was strategically included in this picture.

And that was it! They drove back to the MTC, and left for Texas in the morning. As I mentioned earlier, I'm feeling bereft. Of course, I'm also so happy for them. What an adventure they are going to have. And it's great that we can call and text and email and visit them. Senior missionaries get lots of perks. They have been looking forward to this mission for many years. Really, ever since they got married. It was time for the empty-nesters to leave the nest! So fly, Mom and Dad! Turn about is fair play.