Going downstairs and finding Z~, his friend Jeff and Luke all sprawled out on Z~'s floor (yes, I issued the annual "Your Room Will Be Cleaned Before School Starts" edict and there is again floor visible) just hanging out. Luke and Z~ are 21 months apart and were pretty much inseparable until Jr. High. They will miss each other and be apart for almost four years. It's good to see these two very different but very dear and good young men together again during these, their last days together. (Someone please remind me to tell you sometime about the two of them walking down the hill from the Provo Temple on the day Luke took out his endowments.)

Getting good news that some tragic news I'd received a few hours before had been incomplete and therefore incorrect. Miracles happen. Lives are spared. My heart is somewhat lighter for being reminded of that.

A home teacher of at least eight years or more (which means Luke would have been 10 or 11) coming by today to tell Luke goodbye. He is one of my dear friend's husband and I know he genuinely cares about us. Dave served in England as well and came by because he'd been reading in his mission journal and he recalled a time when he had a regret because he let slip by a chance to learn to love and learn from a certain companion. As someone who is also a harsh judge of her 23-year-old mission self I could appreciate his story--it touched my heart. He entreated Luke to be humble and to be open to what God wants him to learn from each opportunity to grow. "No regrets," he said. And he kindly reminded Luke not to be too hard on himself when he did make mistakes but to move forward. He left a loving, true and positive message about making the most of the next two years. I am grateful for the power of a good home teacher who would take time out to leave a personal lesson for my son before he leaves.