Goodbye Shelbina, Hello Cambridge! I can’t believe that it is time for me to travel out to the Boston area to take on the new adventure of serving as a FOCUS missionary at MIT. The good news is that I get to spend a day in Kansas City with friends and other FOCUS missionaries before flying out. I must admit that the hardest part about this opportunity is saying goodbye to my family and friends back home and knowing that I will not be returning until Christmas. The good part is that my goodbye is only temporary and I know that I will remain connected with my loved ones through prayer and social media…duh.
It is certainly cliché to express that my feelings regarding this move are overwhelming and emotional but I would say those ideas probably do justice to where I am at right now. Fortunately, my last few weeks at home included visiting with many of the most important people in my life. Three of those people were my grandparents. I love them!
It is certainly cliché to express that my feelings regarding this move are overwhelming and emotional but I would say those ideas probably do justice to where I am at right now. Fortunately, my last few weeks at home included visiting with many of the most important people in my life. Three of those people were my grandparents. I love them!
My grandpa George had his 85th birthday on Sunday the 21st and we celebrated with the 1st Annual Dimmitt Family Reunion. Tremendous! The afternoon was extremely enjoyable and occurred in great time as I was pleased as punch to see many family members before heading out east. Around 70 people were in attendance which is not unusual as my grandparents raised 9 kids of their own, have 26 grandkids, and countless greats. It is easy to see how our family is held together as my grandmother Emma Lu is a walking saint. She has such a beautiful spirit and at almost 87 years old, she continues to amaze our family. Grandma displayed her zeal for life as she climbed into the bounce house with all the great grandchildren. “Whoa” is probably an appropriate response for that one.
I love to visit my grandma Rash whenever I can and just sit and talk. She is so special to me and has been a very independent woman since my granddad Jerry passed away in 1996. This past week I could hardly keep back tears from my eyes when being with her because I simply felt loved. My grandma reminds me to love harder and without reservation each and every day. By doing this, we as humans, are definitely putting ourselves in a very vulnerable place. However, I believe we were created to love and be loved and what better way to see that than through family?
Whenever I go to Ridge Street to see Miss Nancy Rash I always go straight to her crystal candy dish and grab a Dove Chocolate. She is never without, and there are always interesting little messages inside. Sometimes I am challenged to “Share a smile with a neighbor “or “Be a little naughty today.” One thing is for sure, I always leave my grandma’s house being challenged to love, and to love like there is no tomorrow. And I know that when I am ever missing her or the rest of my family I can always go and get some Dove Chocolates and let them be a reminder of her love for me. Adios. Ciao. Salaam. Adeu. Goodbye. But more importantly – Hola! Bonjour! Marhaba! Salve! Hello!
This made me cry. Love from your mother
ReplyDeleteLevi, At our church (Episcopal Campus Ministry at Purdue University), the priest always offers everyone a Dove Chocolate at the end of the service. He says, if the sermon wasn't what you were hoping for today, then you can find a "sermonette" on the Dove candy wrapper that might just speak to your heart! Haha!
ReplyDeletePS. I also agree with your mom -- this one made me cry. xo