The Farewell

June 30, 2013.  The official date of The Farewell.  Elder Jedediah James Clawson had his farewell at the Paradise 1st Ward sacrament service last Sunday.  It was the most beautiful June morning.  Extremely hot, but beautiful still.  It was so amazing to see all the friends, and family members, who attended.  My heart as a mom was full to overflowing with the outpouring of love directed at my son!  Friends old and new came from all over!  It was such a great day.  Jed loved it!  He was exhausted at the end of the day, but also encouraged.

Jed was assigned to speak on the talk given by Elder Holland in General Conference April 2013.  It was entitled, Lord I Believe.  Amazing talk in conference, and a perfect topic for a young 18 year old boy heading out into the world to share what he believes.  The Holy Ghost was in that meeting Sunday.  Hearts were touched, and testimonies were shared.  Our oldest daughter Emma was also assigned to speak as the Youth Speaker for the week.  She was a little nervous about keeping it together, and not crying her eyes out, but she did a great job.  A simple testimony was shared about being obedient.  She was assigned the talk given by Elder Perry in April 2013 conference as well.  Obedience To  Law Is Liberty.  She did a great job!

Elder Clawson had one request for music.  He loves the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.  It is a Clawson Family tradition to be awaken by Grandpa Clawson from our family camp out on the 3rd of July with that song blaring as loud as can be and firecrackers bursting on the morning of the 4th of July.  Jed loves that song.  Of course Called To Serve was sung as a rest hymn , and I'm afraid to say I didn't get through much of that song.  It always makes me cry.

After the sacrament service we had a little get together at our home for friends and family who had travelled.  And I will admit that the entire Priests Quorum were there as well:)  We fed a lot of people.  Lots of happy sounds, and well wishes.  Hugs, and slaps on the back.  Good luck Elder!  was the most common words shared.  Elder Clawson was given a glimpse of what Heaven will be like I believe.  So many people were there just for him, with high hopes, and prayers in there hearts for a cute little 18 year old kid heading to Albania of all places.  I was touched and humbled by the outpouring of love shown to my son.  Good Luck Elder Clawson!