Proud of Brandon--Just Walk Away/ Mom's B-day

Tonight Brandon went to a pre-4th of July celebration with some of his friends. He had been excited about this event for a while and was very anxious for the day to arrive. He was hanging out at someone's house, eating hotdogs, and chillin'. Then, they were ending their festivities at a park where they were going to be seeing fireworks and such.

While this was taking place, Frankie and I were watching a movie. However, in the middle I get a phone call from Brandon. He says, "Mom, I need you to come pick me up." I replied, "Can you wait a little while because I'm finishing up a movie and then I'll be right there." He responded with a lot of strain in his voice, "No! Come get me right now!" I didn't ask any questions. I just knew there was something wrong and I felt an urgency in his voice, so I dropped my movie and immediately headed for the door. Within moments I arrived and I could tell Brandon was a little shaken. I asked, "Did you already watch the fireworks?" He responded, "No." Then I inquisitively delved, "What's wrong? Were you not having a good time?" In which he started to tear up and explain in a very concerned tone, "Everything was going fine. And, then all of a sudden my friends started pulling out beer and vodka and alcohol. I had no idea they were going to be doing that. Mom, these are my friends. I didn't even know that they did stuff like that. I am so disappointed. I can't believe it." I told him I was very proud of him for calling me and proud that he felt the need to leave. I told him that he might actually make an impression on some of them. Some may have been joining in because they think it's cool and the only way to impress others. By him walking away, he may just inspire someone to do the right thing too.

Honestly, I felt so good tonight. Good that the Holy Ghost was working to protect my son. Good that he listened. Good that I listened. Good that I saw evidence that Heavenly Father loves my family. And, most importantly, good that Brandon had the courage to do the right thing.

P.S.(This story is more for my journaling purposes only so please don't say anything to Brandon. I think he would be very upset with me if he knew I wrote this, especially about him getting emotional. Not that he has any reason to be ashamed! I just know he keeps things personal. He doesn't like his life being out in the open. Y'all understand. ;0) )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

July 4th, 1947

In honor of my mother...

Thank you for investing so much time and energy into my life. You have been a massive instrument in securing an unshakable testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ in me. You have always shown great strength and moral character. You have always had a mind fixated on God and I appreciate your compelling example. You are a chosen vessel who have born seven wonderful children, and have taught each of us to walk forward with a steady assurance--an assurance of hope, testimony, and love. You have proclaimed unceasingly and unwearily your faith to us. You have taught us all to walk paths of righteousness and to walk boldly in the Lord. Your teachings have penetrated our hearts and developed our moral qualitites. Because of your life's work, we have been molded and polished. Mom, I appreciate your fervor. I appreciate your courage. I appreciate your drive and focus to live a worthy life. You are a blessing. I know you sometimes have feelings of low self-worth because your memory and body are weakening. I know you are tormented that some relationships are distant too. But, Mom, make no mistake about it, you ARE special. You are making a difference, even when you're unaware. You have established patterns. You have provided a legacy. You have impacted lives. You live within us. When you pass on, you will still be there within us. I can't wait to embrace you in the resurrection and kneel to honor you, not in a sacriligious way, but with respect and admiration because you've been a royal daughter--a royal daughter of God. I love you! I miss you! You're one of my greatest heroes.

Marina