A quick goodbye

Well the sis and bro-in-law are leaving Utah. With their kids, gosh darn it.

Shehan and I said our goodbyes last night before Aaron and Jen went out to dinner. Aaron left this morning for the long solo drive to Omaha with the fam to follow in a couple weeks. Before he left we gave him a parting gift - a web cam for the wonderful world of Skype. Not a ploy to tell us everything going on in their lives in an up-to-the-minute format. Why do you ask?

After giving Aaron a quick hug I suddenly felt I had to sneeze but tears came to my eyes instead (does anyone else get that feeling?) I blinked them back as I promised to visit soon and wished him luck and safety. After Jen and Aaron went to dinner Shehan and I played with their kids for a while. Then we drove home quietly, talking about how much we'll miss that family.

2008 backpacking trip - Jason and Aaron

Aaron isn't just my brother-in-law. He's become a friend and a mentor to both Shehan and me. When Shehan wanted to ask my parents if he could marry me he went to Aaron beforehand to help him get the wording down. Aaron told him what he said to my mom and dad when his time came and counseled Shehan not to worry. Everything would work out.

 Lo and behold? It did.

He's a great dad. When Jason was born and quickly attached to tubes and placed under the jaundice lights he was so calm as he looked at that little boy. I've never seen a new dad so calm.

He was a witness at my sealing to Shehan. That was a really special moment. With my sis Jenny on one side and my mom on the other I felt like I could sing that early October morning. I looked at Shehan between Dad and Aaron and saw a strong set of men. Jenny chose well. Mom chose well. I chose well.

Isn't it amazing that we can allow people in our lives who become like blood relatives? Isn't it amazing how we forge relationships out of anything? Aaron is probably the best brother I'll ever have. Saying goodbye is hard. When Jenny and the babies leave I don't know what I'll do. Heaven help me.