This boy…er, I mean man, is the reason we went to California last week.
My baby brother (who is actually a giant next to my 5 feet 10 inches) returned from a 2 year proselyting mission to Ohio for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
It was terribly difficult to not see him for two whole years. It was made even more difficult because of the existence of my sweet Lydia. It broke my heart that he missed the first 2 years of her life, which at this point, is her ENTIRE life!
But knowing he was in the right place, doing the right thing made the separation easier. And seeing him 2 years later, all grown up and mature, I am so impressed with who he is. He knows who he is, he understands his purpose, he cares about people, he loves his family more fiercely than ever, and he has a testimony of God. I am so proud of him.
And those 2 years? He more than made up for them with all the special attention he gave to his nieces and nephews. They adore him because they can very clearly feel his adoration for them. After about 2 seconds of shyness, Lydia was running and playing with Uncle Darren.
How many single, 21 year old guys do you know who would spend a whole day at a park with 5 nieces and nephews, feeding ducks, pushing kids on swings, and sitting at the kid’s table for a picnic lunch?
I love that kid, I mean…that grown up man.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
You should be proud of him. He is pretty fabulous. I love returned missionaries. It’s scary and exciting that they now can go out into the world and carve a future for themselves. Good Luck to Darren.
PS: Lydia cracks me up with her Sun Glasses. She really likes looking cool, doesn’t she.
sooo crazy to see him all grown up. I can’t believe that is the same Darren!! He looks so much older, and sooooooo much more like his brothers
I’m with Jill, I really can’t believe that is the same kid (uhh, guy). He is a grown up…and I just remember him being so small when we were all in high school. Good for Darren…he accomplished something pretty awesome!
Isn’t it so nice when they come home?!
Where in Ohio? My little brother Keith went on his mission in the Cleveland OH mission!
YAY!
So glad he finally got to “meet” Lydia and all of her cuteness! From the pictures, it looks like he loves his neices and nephews.
Yeah he looks like his brothers now. Yep Darren is the bestest….and Ryan. Ryan and Darren are the bestest. Hope no other uncles read this………
You mean you didn’t come to California to see you favorite sis-in-law?! I’m shocked! But yes, Darren is the bestest….right up there with TROY!!! (yes I saw that Vanessa!)