Mother’s Day ~ May 8, 2011

We had a great Mother’s Day! We attended the missionary farewell of a close family friend, Garrett Millward. Garrett’s mom, Margaret, and I have known each other since I was in kindergarten and she was in 1st grade. We grew up just a few houses away from each other. We have both now moved into the homes that we grew up in. My mom and Margaret’s mom also taught 2nd grade together for many years, and are still close friends.

The Millwards tended Ryan a few times when he was little. Garrett quickly became one of Ryan’s heroes. As they both grew older, that admiration continued. Garrett is a swimmer and a skier, so those were some of Garrett’s “qualities” that first made him Ryan’s hero. On April 5, Garrett and his best friend, Gates, went snowboarding one last time before Gates left on his LDS mission the following day.

If you don’t know the story, you may read it here. Gates is now paralyzed from the elbows down, and the experience has changed both of those young men. As we have heard the details of that day, and the subsequent events, Ryan not only recognized additional characteristics and qualities that make Garrett his true hero, but added Gates to his list of heroes.

As we were sitting in the back of the chapel during Garrett’s farewell, Gates and his dad came in! Garrett had told Ryan that Gates was going to try to come. It was overwhelming for all of us when he wheeled in. Ryan smiled and waved, and Gates made his signature goofy-smile face in response. They left right after Garrett spoke, so we didn’t have a chance to talk with him. I’m sure that was his dad’s intention, as to not overwhelm him.

We had a great luncheon at the Millwards’ house, and enjoyed visiting with the entire family. I took this cute picture of Ryan and Garrett.

We went home and changed clothes, and then went to Marc & Frances’ house for dinner there. As always, it was great food and great fun with the entire family.
Finally, here’s what I bought myself for Mother’s Day.