The drop off at the MTC

Nick with Bishop Delorey

Nick having lunch with Bishop Delorey and sons Chuck and Mark.

Nick again with Chuck and Elder Tellington.

I had wanted to take Nick out to the MTC as a family. He asked that we not. I debated for a long time what to do. Nick finally told Matt that he thought us taking him there would just prolong the agony of good-bye and he wanted to be able to enter the MTC composed and ready, not a bawling idiot. It was really hard for me to say ok but I did even though I was really never comfortable with the decision. I know Nick and know that he would have a hard time and would benefit from having someone with him. It was agonizing for me but I said ok. About 6 weeks before he was going to leave I was sitting in Relief Society and the bishop's wife (good friends of ours) asked what day exactly was Nick leaving. As it turns out, she and the bishop were going out to Utah the very same day on business and to visit family. Bishop changed his schedule so he could be on the very same flight with Nick at 0600 instead of later in the day with his lovely wife. Once in Utah they picked up 2 of the bishop's sons and headed for lunch - getting some great BBQ down before the dreaded MTC food became Nick's only option. While they were out to lunch Elder (Chris) Tellington called us on our cell phone hoping to hook up with us while there. When we told him we stayed home and the bishop took him out he made plans to head Nick off at the drop off point to greet him. Chris gave Nick a hug and one last good-bye from me. Although the day was bittersweet I could not deny the hand the Heavenly Father had in the way it worked out. Nick was escorted to the MTC by someone who cared as much as we as his parents did that he was there, someone who loved him and supported him but at the same time someone who could take him out to lunch, give him a hug and send him on his way without Nick feeling too terribly emotional. I know it didn't mean much to anyone else but to me it was truly a miracle.