I am what is known as the "Stalker Father." It is typical for me to send a phone with the kids wherever they may be just so that I can keep tabs on them and "stalk" them along the way. This has been the case with Stanley for the last 5 years of his life. Well, today I realized that I am probably doing my last bit of "stalking" with Stanley as I watch on a screen as his flight to Mexico City landed.
I always felt that I could know what was going on, just by picking up my phone, tapping that app, and seeing where he was. Now I have to let that go!
Stanley flew out from Cody Wyoming this morning at 6:30 am. It was a late night packing. His suitcases weighed 43 and 47 pounds. I think we did pretty well with that. The morning was filled with lots of hugs and a few tears. 😢 We watched as he boarded the plane with his Oma right behind him. By the time we got back to Meeteetse he had already landed in Salt Lake City. Oma said that he was at his gate to LAX and was the only missionary there when she gave him her last hug and left him. That's when my stalking began for the day. I am assuming he made each connection, but we wont really know until we hear from him when he able to send a quick email.
For the past several weeks I found myself being overly emotional and crying at the thought of not having one of my best friends around me for 2 years. Amber and I were able to be in the Billings Temple with Stan last Thursday. I received a blessing from our Heavenly Father in the Temple that day. I was no longer sad. I was so excited for Elder Ogden and the opportunity he is now having to invite others to find peace and joy in our Savior.
We love you Elder Ogden!
