Eighteen years ago, my first son was born. I remembered hearing earlier from an ultrasound tech that I was going to be having a baby boy. I refused to believe such nonsensical talk because I only had girls to that point. But the second Bradan entered this world, I knew he had a special place in my heart and in this world. He belonged.
Bradan stood as the backbone of priesthood in my home; he remained the sole entertainer and quiet peacemaker the many years I wore the single mother label. His vigorous spirit, coupled with the joy he illuminates, surpassed anything I could have wished for in having a son. His decision to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a solid one the past several years. He has prepared as needed, according to the will of our Heavenly Father.
Waiting at length for the white envelope from Church Headquarters to finally arrive often left me in cold sweats. For many weeks, I wondered, I prayed, I worried where Bradan would be requested to serve. There were many justifiable guesses, and even more random speculation. Yet, as Bradan opened the envelope to read the assignment with nervous excitement, every fear and all worry disappeared. A joyful peace flooded my heart, giving me an assurance that Puerto Rico San Juan is exactly where Bradan belongs. When I consider the responsibilities required and the blessings promised in his patriarchal blessing, combined with his personality, his heritage and lineage, serving there purely made sense.
Bradan's call was clear confirmation that our Heavenly Father knows us individually; he knows our abilities and what we have to offer others; he loves us eternally and has a special place for us. At any given moment and under any specific circumstance, we are needed...where we belong.
Bradan blessed my home beyond measure the past 18 years. Today, as he embarks upon his journey through the Caribbean, he will soon discover how immensely the people of Puerto Rico will bless his life while he faithfully serves them for the next two years.
