I have always had a special relationship with Amy. I vividly remember my parents bringing her home from the hospital when I was 9. In our entire lives I don't think we've had one major disagreement. We've always understood each other on a nerd level. Even through her awkward years of talking to her imaginary friend Leonard DiVinci I found her tolerable. As she's grown older, I've realized that we're going to be closer than ever as adults. I just can't get enough of her.
When Amy went to college, it was difficult, but she would call me and chat for 15-20 minutes about twice a week. I felt like I was reliving my BYU days through her. When she would come down, we would catch up and she would play with the kids, and I would never want her to leave. When her roomates started leaving on their missions, I knew it was only a matter of time. On one trip down she said that she had something to tell us, but I already knew what it was. She was going to go on a mission. I was thrilled for her, of course, but when she left to go back up to BYU, I sat down at my mom's dining room table and bawled. Selfish, I know--but the thought of being without my sister for 18 months was almost too much to bear.
Time wore on and she submitted her papers. The day her call came, I felt sick I was so excited for her. I could barely stand watching her open it, I was so excited. She was called to the Mexico Hermosillo mission. It just seemed perfect for her and still does.
These photos were taken after her farewell talk, which was one of the best I've ever heard-- about the trial of not having enough adversity in one's life and of not taking evil seriously enough. She glowed with power and conviction, and I felt so proud!
It was amazing having her home for the summer before her mission. We went on lots of Target runs, we danced to whatever music we could find on a regular basis, and I watched her squeeze my kids extra tight every time she said goodbye. It was always in the back of our minds that she would be leaving soon.
These photos exhibit classic Amy quirkiness. She watched our dogs for a few nights during the first part of our Bellingham trip and sent me these hilarious videos of her wiping out the ant infestation in my kitchen (with a Russian accent, of course!) and another photo of her creepily snuggling with Mimi. Man, I love this girl!
We took this photo the day she left. I was still holding it together pretty good at this point.
It was sacred family time with all of us together the day she left. The spirit was so thick in the room when she was set apart. I felt so convicted that she was meant to go and that many angels would be watching over her.
Saying goodbye was something awful. I ugly cried, a lot. It felt selfish because I wanted to just be the super strong big sister, but the truth is, I really need her. I knew our bond would continue as she served but just in a different way.
Amy has been doing wonderful work in the mission field. I know that she is going to bless many lives. I continue to be amazed with her strength, determination, and deep love of the gospel. Until we meet again, sweet sister!
