My sister, Jen, their mom, posted the pictures they included in their mission papers and I stole them for my blog:
Ben |
Ellie |
Aren't they adorable? I love them so much!
Of course, when I look at these photos, I can't help but think about when Ellie and Ben looked like this:
Ellie and Ben with Grandad, Hyrum and Grace |
See that proud Grandad in this photo? That's my Dad. I don't think there are very many things in the universe that made my Dad happier than having grandchildren. He was wonderful with them, he loved them completely, and they loved him right back. I also remember how happy it made my Dad to have his children serve full-time missions.
Dropping Rachel off at the MTC |
With his two eldest grandchildren getting ready to serve, I've been thinking about him a lot and how thrilled he must be, to have his posterity going out to bring the world the truth, the same precious gift two young men gave him 50 years ago.
Since I heard the news about Ben's call yesterday, I've also been thinking about this scripture:
"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." -- Doctrine and Covenants 84:88
And I've been thinking that maybe this goofy, wonderful, loving, wise man may be one of those angels, bearing Ben up on those hard days when doors are slammed in his face, he's not getting along with his companion, he's freezing and exhausted. If so, I can't imagine having a better one. Ben will be just fine.