6 Months

Ian,
If you were gone on your mission it would be 1/4 over today.  I could think, "Wow, time really flies, even though you're away--we're down to 18 months."   I could email you once a week and remind myself that even though you aren't here, you are learning and growing and drawing closer to God.   I could focus on all the  people you're teaching and affecting.  You could email me and tell be not to worry, that you have lots of exciting stories you can only share when we are  back together.  I could send you care packages.

If you were away at college you could call me by now and tell me about your first semester grades.  I could hear about the girls that are breaking your heart and how weird your roommates are.  I could be counting down the days 'til you came home and spent the summer with me.  I could be figuring out to pay for the coming semesters' tuition.  You could be emailing me to ask for care packages.

If you were away starting a new job, you would have benefits by now.  I could hear how confident you are getting in your skills as a chef, or sports commentator, or movie  producer or animator.  I could brag about how successful you are to all my friends.  We could be making plans to come visit you for the weekend and you could be emailing me to say that you don't need a care package because you're making such good money.

You're not in any of those places, but you aren't here either.  I can't hear from you or send you care packages.  It makes me mad that the time has gone so fast--even though days go slow, time has flown by.  You'd be taller still and wanting to shave and charming even more girls.  I hope you would still be telling me everything--even about the girls.  We'd be in the car with you practicing behind the wheel by now.  You'd have your eagle project picked out and Mikey wouldn't be so frustrated by fractions because you'd be helping him.

I miss you.  I'm trying to believe that what you are doing is as exciting and as important as what you would be doing here now, and in your future.  I'm holding to the belief that I will see you and hear about your adventures and you will want to tell me everything.  I even bought some books for you the other day--for some sort of fantasy care package.  I hope the time has flown for you Buddy.  I hope you are happy and confident and surrounded by people who are as engaged by you as all those here who miss your wit and smile and surprising wisdom.

I love you.  6 months closer to seeing you...

Mom