Truman's Seminary Graduation

Truman was asked to speak at seminary graduation about how seminary helped him prepare for a mission.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all the speakers were pre-recorded.  In fact, we were quarantining with Allen's parents in Arkansas during seminary graduation, so it worked out nicely for us that Truman was still able to be a part of it.

When Truman submitted his mission papers at the end of February, we never could have guessed how much the world would change!   Here is a portion of the email we received on April 2, about his call:

Your assignment is ready to be made, but you have a couple of options. 

You can wait a little longer (until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted) to be assigned.  If you choose this path, your papers will be returned to your stake president.  When you are ready to be assigned, please let the stake president know and he will resubmit the papers to be processed. 

You can move forward now and the assignment to a mission will be made.  You will complete online MTC training and begin service in a mission in the USA as soon as conditions allow. Please let me know which path you want to pursue at this time.  Thanks!

Truman asked Allen and I what he should do, and we both told him that it was completely his choice.  He immediately responded, "Then I want to wait."  It's been readily apparent, from that moment, that this was the right decision for Truman.  And, as it happens, for our whole family.  It's been such an unexpected blessing to have more time together!

We are so proud of Truman.  He is a hard worker and a natural helper and quietly tries to choose the right.  He just registered for his BYU-I classes this Fall and we are looking for housing!  It's a crazy time, but I can't imagine any teenager more suited to just roll with the punches and have a great attitude, regardless of the circumstances.  

Truman's Graduation: Class of 2020!

What a crazy year to graduate!  But COVID-19 actually ensured that this graduation was way more epic than any previous one.

Each member of the SSHS graduating class of 2020 participated in a parade that started at the high school and ended at the Idanh-ha drive-in movie theater.  Everyone in town lined the streets and cheered for the seniors!  It was pretty special.  We let Brigham drive, and had a fun/annoying time when Cody Thompson offered Brigham a hundred dollars to blow by all the other cars and cops and cut to the front of the parade (we thought about letting him, but Truman didn't want him to--getting in trouble with the cops and school is not what he wanted on graduation night).  

It was a fun evening, celebrating with Truman.

Our entire county "adopted" all the seniors in our three high schools and communities.  Truman was "adopted" by two different people, who both made him feel so special.  One person was anonymous, and incredibly thoughtful and generous with their gifts--it was such a perfect basket of goodies and Truman loved it!  The other person was none other than Brenda my frienda!  She spoiled Truman all week long with gifts for every letter of his name!  "T" for towels, Tic Tacs, a tie, "R" for every kind of Reese's under the sun!, it's all about "U" with ten laminated pictures of Truman through the years, "M" for a Maverik  gift card, "A" for A&W and friends (which cracked me up--it was rootbeerpalooza), and "N" for the Nielsen family's favorite kitchen tool--a cheese slicer.
This kid got spoiled, but I must say that I think he deserves it!  He's pretty darn great.  And I'm so lucky to have such pretty darn great friends!