Courage is fear that has said it’s prayers.
~Dorothy Bernard
I know the fear.
I know the prayer.
I think the courage belongs all to Parker.
He truly puts the Brave in Hero.
I received a phone call from my Missionary on Mother’s Day. Oh, how sweet it was to hear his voice. To hear the absolute joy and happiness in his voice.  I am one very thankful Mama for the courage of this son to serve a worthy mission.
I asked him to tell me more about his daily life. Share more of his experiences of Long Beach with me.
There was a pause, and then Brant told me that it would be best if he waited until he came home to tell me what life in Long Beach has really been like for him. He was worried that if I knew how things really were out there that I’d be on the phone to his Mission President demanding a safer area for him to serve in.
Ahem.
He told me that it would have to suffice for me to know that drugs, guns, muggings, gang wars, and worse were situations he deals with each and every day.
Yeah, Brant is showing an incredible courage right now too.
His Mama, however, is tapping into the depths of her faith by not flying out and bringing him straight home.
If any of you live in Long Beach and run into a very tall, very handsome, LDS Missionary from Utah, be kind. His Mama loves and misses him more than words can say.
Along with his big brother, Parker is also serving a unique Mission here on the earth. Different circumstances. But both are teaching the truths of a loving Heavenly Father.  Both are an example of the power of prayer.
Both are making the world a much better place.
I wonder where in Long Beach he is? I love Long Beach. He’s doing a fabulous job there and he will be kept safe. There’s nothing better on Mothers day than to talk to her son whom she hasn’t seen in a long time and can’t call whenever she wants.
Absolutely Beautiful. Two shouts upward for your two boys.
Parker and your site right here have taught my kids more about kids with special needs than I ever could have taught them. When they see a child (or any person for that matter) in the store, at the school, out anywhere who is not the “same” as them, they immediately stop and think about what their circumstances might be. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone with special needs, someone in a wheelchair, etc. We saw an older child in the store several months back, who was in a wheelchair and yelling out very loudly. It was clear to me that this child was not misbehaving. I immediately looked at Ben to see what his reaction would be because I didn’t want him to say anything that might be considered rude (because you know how honest little kids can be even if they’re not intending to be rude). My son immediately recognized that he was special (and he used that word). We used the opportunity to talk about how God makes each and every one of of us unique, different but most importantly SPECIAL. But what made the situation the most special was that my 5 yr old brought up the topic, not me.
I know I comment on here from time to time but you should know how special you guys are. That God really did send Parker to do a very special and brave thing on this earth. And he’s doing a darn good job with that cutie patootie face of his
And by the way, your older son is doing a very special job as well. But I think you already know that!! You must be one very proud mama!
I used to live in Long Beach (moved in August) and I would see Brant occasionally, but never had a chance to talk with him. I wonder what part of Long Beach he’s in because not all of it is like that. Both of your boys are in my thoughts!
praying for both your boys! I always say a pray for missionaries when I see them walking or on bikes!
Twitter: therextras
May 19, 09
We have plenty of bad neighborhoods here….too bad he wasn’t sent here – I’d be glad to go take him from the wilderness for a break. Guess I’ll just have to add his name to …praying for Parker, and Brant.
Samantha! You saw Brant…..and didn’t tell me………ahhhh! lol!
Brant has spent most of his time in Compton. But this second time in Long Beach has been rough. Much harder than the first time he was there, at the beginning of his mission.
But he’s tough. He’ll make it through. The Mama how ever may be a total basket case before he returns!
Sweet post. I hope all goes well for him in Long Beach!!
Your faith is amazing. You’re dealing with heavy things on both ends of the parenting scale, aren’t you?
Saying prayers that your son stays safe in his mission. Yes, both of these boys are the embodiment of courage.
Love that quote about courage BTW,
I think both your boys are Brave Heroes
Praying that Brant continues to be safe on his mission, and Parky on his!!!
Hugs!
Tammy, you are so blessed to have these beautiful boys (and your other beautiful children!). I think of Brant often and what he must go through. There is a young man that comes and visits me every month from the LDS. He is one of the nicest guys you could meet. I have so much respect for him. I know what he is doing is not easy. I see his hands tremble as he reads to me. It just warms my heart because though what he is doing is not easy, it means everything to him. Parker is beautiful in this picture. I could just kiss those cheeks!!!
Love to all,
Amy