Two Years Gone By

It was the day my bestie, Karen, had had set in her phone for two years.

 The monitor said one thing . . .

 . . . but Karen's phone was right. It was on time!

 So much waiting . . .

 The volunteer in the purple coat was there to keep us all in check so the other 225 passengers could all deplane without getting trampled by all of us.

 And then Logan appeared behind the customs door.

 He was not patiently working his way through the crowd.

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day.

His suitcases got a little stuck in that crazy door, but it didn't hold him back for long.

Two years ago, this young man left his family to serve a mission in England. And he was back.

Moms always get the first hug.

Then dads.

Then sister.

And brother.

And then Mom again. And again and again and again.

Buddies and cousins and aunts and uncles and grandmas and grandpas all took their turn with the newly returned elder.

When it was my turn, Logan whispered in my ear, "You're hugging Ben. Pretend I'm Ben."

Welcome home, Elder Cole. Well done.

Hurrah. Hurrah for Israel.