Farewells

281. Great Traditions. Today we had a young man from our ward speak before leaving on his mission. In this ward, when a missionary is leaving, all the men over 12 go up to the choir seats and sing "Called to Serve" as the closing song. It is such a strengthening tradition. The love and support felt. The voices as they roll over the chapel. The feeling that here we are, all of us part of something bigger than ourselves. Hearts swell and eyes are cloudy. It can't be duplicated. It's so sweet and poigniant when the community has watched these young men grow from sunbeams to graduates. We have all raised each others children together. How can you help but feel supported when you roll forth on your mission on the waves of such glorious sound? In low parts of a mission, the echo of that booming joy is reassuring. We are children of our Heavenly Father together. You are loved. You are a crusader in a cause greater than yourself. You will be loved by those who helped raise you, no matter how old you get. I love living in a place where the spirit of caring for each other is strong. It's what we all want for our children.