(written and posted by his Mother)
Nineteen years ago a son was born to our family.
With much excitement, anticipation, and laughter
we watched him grow to become a valiant and faithful son of God.
In preparation for his departure for his long awaited mission,
we began our Hicks Holidays with a three week celebration.
Everyone chose 3 activities,
3 places they liked to go out to eat,
and 3 favorite homemade menus for me to make.
Could we fit them all in before he left?
Swimming, Cafe Rio, Brick Oven, Bowling (I tied for first place!),
late night Wii party sleep-over with all the family except one
(We missed you, Stephen).
Mom's waffles and pancakes, J Dawgs, Inception,
miniature golfing, Farr's ice cream.
Church, Meatloaf & Blueberry Surprise.
AUGUST 9TH
"19, I'm 19!"
Texas Road House where Johnny reluctantly rode the saddle
while everyone wished him a
Happy Birthday.
Dunford Donuts!
Miniature Golfing
(Julia asked a lady to take a family photo for us, but she might as well have taken it herself!)
Then the extended family began to arrive.
Time to play with nephew Jake.
A HOT trip to the Hogle Zoo,
Pool Party and Pizza . . .
then saying farewell to friends.
Sunday Farewell message...
then saying goodbye to Grandpa,
cousins and more friends.
One more temple session with family.
One last bowling trip.
One last mow while listening to the Tab choir. Really!
One last time to eat at Zupa's, Tucanos, Burger Supreme, Magleby's Fresh,
and the last dinner at Los Hermanos-
before the setting apart.
As we returned from his setting apart he went directly upstairs to his room
returning just moments later handing me his iphone and laptop
(selling both of them to support his mission).
Elder Hicks was ready to Serve the Lord.
Small miracle! Shrink packing everything!
(10 white missionary shirts on the left
and his favorite full size foam pillow on the right. )
"Johnny style" meant having everything packed the night before.
He weighed in the luggage at 48 lbs. and 37 lbs. ,
exactly allowing for the 10-12 lbs. of books he will receive at the MTC.
THE DAY FINALLY ARRIVED!
THIS TIME THE ROUNDABOUT REALLY WAS ONE WAY ONLY!
During road construction at the entrance of the MTC
to streamline current drop off procedures (no picture taking)
the best view of the MTC was from the Provo temple.
Then just minutes later we pulled in the driveway,
being directed to a number on the curb.
A young smiling Elder introduced himself while shaking our hands,
then helped lift the two heavy suitcases from the car.
There was just a few moments left for a last hug.
Elder Hicks,
You are in our hearts, our prayers, and even in our dreams.
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