The Airport - September 2, 2015

The morning started very early. Parker was up around 5:00am after a sleepless night.  We were on the road headed for the airport by 6:30am.  It was about 10 minutes into the drive that it hit his little brother that Parker was getting on a airplane without him and very quickly Canyon became very sad. Parker and Canyon are the best of buds. They wrestled, read books, searched for snakes, built domino trains, marble and hot-wheel tracks and both shared a love for cooking in the kitchen. Canyon cried nearly the entire drive and frequently asked his Daddy to turn this car around and go back home because he didn't want this brother to leave.  

We arrived at the airport around 7:30 am and headed to check -in.  Parker was obviously nervous but kept himself very calm as we reviewed once again the important documents that he would be needing throughout his long day of travels thru Denver, then to New Jersey and then off to London. 

His baggage all passed the weight test, nothing over 50lbs.  He hasn't traveled on a plane since he was 10 so we reminded him how security works and explained his boarding pass. We were so excited to see another young man, dressed like a missionary, get in line behind us.  We were even more excited to hear that he would be making the same long travel to London as our Parker. An answer to prayers and a weight off our shoulders. I knew that he would be fine as long as he had someone to endure this long, scary day with.  Shortly after meeting him, a beautiful, sweet Sister missionary arrived. She, too, would be traveling to London, and then we knew for sure that Parker would be just fine;)  

I threw some last minute goodies in his shoulder bag to carry him through the day and then, time for goodbyes.  This part is never easy and we kept trying to avoid it but the lines for security continued to get longer and longer and we knew he had to get on his way. 

Goodbye to miss Vannah, 18 months old

Goodbye Canyon, 3 years old

Goodbye Saskya, 15 She may deny it, but she already misses him:(

Goodbye to his mom, Sonja

Goodbye to Momma Juli

His Hero, Goodbye Dad!

Goodbye Family!

After hugs, we watched him walk away. The tears could be held back no longer.  It felt as if a part of my heart was literally yanked out so he could take it with him.  I was so proud of how brave he was. He was so confident. So grown up. Such a man.  

We watched him for as long as we could see him. He led the way, patiently waiting for the other Elder and Sister to get through security and then they were gone. Three strong, courageous, life changing witnesses to the power of the Gospel, headed to unknown lands. All anxious to share the greatest gift we have been given. How can I be selfish enough to wish him home?

  Go and Do Parker Duvall Riggs. We love you and we know that 24 Fast Sundays will come and go in the blink of an eye. Enjoy every minute.