There's No Place Like Home...

Hermanos Reunidos

My "little" brother came home from his mission yesterday.  He flew into San Diego's Lindbergh Field at about 12:35 p.m.  It was a long flight from Argentina, I'm sure.  My mom and dad and much of my family was there to greet him.  I'm sure it was a joyous reunion.  I had a court appearance and couldn't make it down.

My dad was actually in trial, but the judge was kind enough to give my dad an extra 30 minutes for the lunch break so that he could see his son whom he hadn't seen for two years.  It's a good thing that my brother's flight was on time!  When my mom first told me that story, I kind of chuckled that the judge was "only" willing to give my dad an extra 30 minutes for lunch.  That doesn't seem like much.  But today, it seems like a  lot.  And the important thing was that it was enough.  I really think that it was a tender mercy that my dad was able to be there.  I'm both happy and grateful that he was.

I had a long day yesterday, but managed to make my way down to the old homestead later that night.  I walked into the house holding a bag with two uneaten burritos from Del Taco that I bought intending to eat on the way down.  They didn't get eaten.

As I walked in the door, my brother SLD grabbed my bag and told me I wouldn't be needing it.  My sweet mother had cooked in honor of N.'s homecoming.  I should have realized there'd be food waiting for me.

But first things first, I gave N. a huge "abrazo."  The funny thing is that N. looked like he hadn't aged a day.  I know how hard he worked on his mission and that he was a great missionary.  We also posed for the obligatory homecoming photo (see above).  Unfortunately, neither of us were in our suits by that stage of the day.  I had shed mine after a tragic mishap with a red-frosted, chocolate cupcake.  N. had ditched his at some point.  I guess two years of wearing a suit while tramping through the dusty streets of South America is enough for anyone.

Another thing that you'll notice about the picture above is that I think that I can officially say that even though I'm the oldest of five brothers--I'm also the shortest.  At one stage of my life, that would have been very sad news.  I think as you get older, you get a sense of what is really important and what's not.  I was just glad to have my brother home!

Mom's Chicken Burrito with Rice, Guacamole, Cheese, and Fresh, Homemade Salsa--Yum!

Then it was time to eat.  Mom's cooking put Del Taco and Taco Bell to shame.  I had two heaping servings.

I sat on the couch to recover and to visit for a little bit with my brothers and sisters.  As I sat, recuperating on  the couch, someone walked past and handed me a little mylar-wrapped package.  I looked at it.  It was some sort of Argentine-version of a Ding Dong--but with dulce de leche.  My brother had brought it all the way home from Argentina to share with his family.

I was touched with how sweet and kind my brother really is, but he has always been like that.  He didn't make a big deal about it or brag about how great this snack was that he was giving me or tell me what a sacrifice it was for him to bring it home and share with us. He just quietly did it because he wanted to share and because he has a kind, giving heart.  Even though I physically look up to my "little" brother, I have always looked up to him and admired him for his example to watch over and care for other people.

Guaymallen--direct from Argentina!

I remember a few other things from last night.  I asked N. what was different about being back home in the United States.  He told me that he was shocked at all of the technology like iPhones, Droids, etc. that people carried around!  It took me back to when I came home from my mission.  I remember marveling that the power never goes out in the United States (it went out every single day--at least once, sometimes more--in the D.R. where I served my mission).  I also remember that a little-known, new technological innovation commonly called "The Internet" had gotten huge while I was away!  ;-)

N., it's good to have you back.  Thank you for being such a great example and the type of brother that I can always look up to--in more ways than one!  The Gospel is true!