And He's Off... Well, Not Quite

Elder Ty Adams Milne was scheduled to leave for Peru on December 18th so he could report to the Lima MTC on December 19th. He had been assigned a travel companion whom he would meet-up with at the SLC airport. The two of them had been corresponding through messenger and were anticipating their flight together. Elder Milne was packed and ready to go, and we all headed to the St. George, Utah airport early the morning of the 18th. In my mind, we were to be there at 6:30 am for a 7:30 am flight to SLC. Upon arriving at the airport, Elder Milne went to check-in at the counter and they told him he was an hour late and the plane was just leaving. I checked Ty's itinerary, and sure enough, the plane left at 6:30. I have no idea how I got that wrong. I had wrongly programmed it into my brain. Everyone was upset at me, and I can't say I blame them. That act right there definitely qualifies me for the "Mother of the Year" award. I did the only thing I could do (besides cry), I called the missionary travel department and they helped arrange for a flight leaving the next morning. They could not book him on any flights later in the day due to weather and a Trax train breaking down full of missionaries heading to the airport from the MTC. It was a logistical nightmare, but the silver lining was, we were able to have one more day with Ty. We all went to breakfast at the Black Bear Diner on Washington Parkway and then went home and back to bed. It ended up being a wonderful day, and we were even able to add a few more things to his suitcase that we had forgotten, and I added a few more surprise Christmas presents. Blaine had to say his goodbye's that afternoon because he had to be back in New Mexico for work. So, it was just Ty and I the next morning at the airport. We were there on time this time - 5:30 am. Incidentally, this time the airplane was late, and it wouldn't be leaving for another couple of hours, so they told us we could go and get some breakfast. Off to IHop we went, and then the big moment finally came. I waited to cry after he boarded the plane. I had to be strong for him - but after he left I cried like a baby right there in the airport, and then later that night. For 19 years, Ty has been my little buddy. He has always brought a smile to my face and my heart, and I will miss him more than words can say, but I am so excited for him. He will be an amazing missionary because he has an amazing heart. I will miss our inside jokes, our funny sayings we have together, and our dances in the kitchen. Just like that, he was gone.

Here is the email we received from Elder Milne on December 20th:

Hello best friend, I made it to the MTC in Lima. I love it already, although I am running on one hour of sleep. I'm confident I will get the Spanish down. I already had a missionary experience, and I will tell you on Christmas morning at 9:30 am Peru time. Have lots of fun on your cruise! Love all of you so much! Elder Ty Milne