Farewell Quinny

Today I got yet another reminder how old I am.

My Quinny had his farewell.

My Quinny who I've been watching since he was 5.

Granted he's leaving a year sooner then originally anticipated since the church changed the mission leaving age to 18 instead of the original 19 but still. 

I started watching the Suttons when I was 16.

I remember getting there at their house and opening the door not knowing what to expect.

I walked in after I heard the "come in" and was greeted almost instantly by a sweet little 3 year old curly haired girl jumping into my arms wearing nothing but underwear.

Her father had been holding her but when she saw me she jumped to me.

It was Olivia.

The family was stunned because Livvy doesn't usually like strangers and doesn't even do that with her mother.

I think this one act is the reason they continued to call me back.

I loved those kids and they loved me.

There was just the three kids then, Quinny, Olivia, and Gabrielle.

Soon it was my after school job and went Martha got pregnant and sick with Zachery I was over there all day, everyday over the summer.

They became my second family.

I loved being in their home; I felt needed, wanted, and loved there.

They let me help with the remodel of their home which I loved.

When I went to College they let me work for them whenever I came home and it was the only way I survived since there was not jobs to be had in Ephraim.

Eventually I went to Logan and I wasn't able to come over near as often as I wanted to.

I stayed in touch with them though and after I got the A-OK from the Suttons about Mark we got married.

They were there at the temple and helped make the day complete for me.

Quinny even spoke at our wedding dinner.

They eventually moved to Minnesota and I missed them immensely.

 Well this past summer they came back to Utah to get Quinny ready for his mission.

I got to go with Martha and Quinny to shop for mission stuff.

Oh how I miss just hanging out with my dear friends and mentor doing something as simple as shopping.

I loved going to his farewell and hearing his talk.

It was my sweet Quinny telling me stories again just like he used to but instead of some silly story about nothing it was great stories of his testimony developing into something so strong that it can help build mine.

I was blown away that in a small way I helped that boy take shape.

I got so excited and sad to think of Scott one day doing the same.

Quinn, used to always tell me that watching his children was the best form of birth control.

I would always laugh and agree because I learned that even just being a third parent was hard work.

Now, after having my own child, I am able to take all that those children have taught me about life and raising a family I would have to say that watching his children and watching Quinn and Martha as parents was the best life long education I have ever received.

I am constantly drawing on those lessons learned, asking myself, "what would Martha and Quinn do?"

Quinny, I'm so proud of you and the choices you have made.

I'm so blessed to have known you.

Return with honor my boy, and I'll see you in two years.

Martha and Quinn and the rest of the kids are moving to Virginia after the summer so Martha can continue and finish her doctorate.

Mark and I and Scott Hope to visit them so Scott can know his other family.