Elder Mitchell Poirier

I don't think I've cried more than I have this week. 

My brother is leaving on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Wednesday. As much as I am really excited for him, I am really [really] depressed that I won't be seeing him for the next three years.
I can't even describe whats going on in my mind right now.
It just doesn't seem real?
Two years, two whole years.
It's hard to swallow.

This weekend I came home for the first time since I was sent away
and man-o-man it felt so good.
I miss sleeping in my bed, using my own bathroom, petting slash kissing Chesney whenever I want, talking [in human form] to my siblings, and everything else about my house life.

Possibly the best dog ever.

It seems like my family has moved right along without me.
since I've been gone they bought:

[a new sink faucet for my bathroom]

New door handles on three of our doors.
and a new paper towel holder.

I just didn't expect them to move on so fast.

The ride from Gainesville didn't feel too bad [because we had 4 cds full of glee songs]
Me, Alexa, Chris and Kate sang the entire way home - and we ALL enjoyed it, no matter how much they try and deny it.

Saturday was spent scrubbing, cleaning, vacuuming and baking for Mitchell's farewell party. 
All. Day.

every room. every dresser. every window sill.
cleaned.

Farewell time: 6:30
Honoree: Mitchell Poirier
Destination: Guadalajara, Mexico
Will be missed by: Everyone

We had a Full House [just like DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle]. It was awesome to see all the people that support and love Mitchell.

Friends and Family
and more friends
and more family.
We're all excited for Mitchell, we know he's going to make a great missionary.

There were so many people who came.
But there was one person missing and her absence did not go unnoticed.
We wish Aleksi could've been there to celebrate with us.
But it all works out because when Mitchell flies out to Utah for the Missionary Training Center, Aleksi will pick him up and they'll be able to spend a few hours together before he has to go.

I was once talking to a guy [with Cynthia] who had been to the Guadalajara, Mexico Mission and he said it was the best mission to go on because:
1. The people are always friendly
2. The food is delicious
3. It's foreign
4. You learn spanish, which can be applied later in life.

Most memorable times with Mitchell:
1. the time we lived in Penbroke Pines and it was past dinner time and our behind-the-house-neighbors asked us if we wanted to come over and swim. You told me to run inside and ask mom. I pretended to - came back out, and told you she said we could. We went over and then when mom found us - I got in so much trouble and you didn't get in trouble at all.

"Summer of '09 when he came and rescued me. I was soooo sick with morning sickness and he came up for a week. He completely entertained the kids and I helped me out so much. He will never know how grateful I am for that week.
I will also never forget, and I don't think Emree and Rett will ever forget, the visits this past summer. Playing Harry Potter in the rain at the Munns' Pool and on our beach vacation will be one of the coolest games of their childhood."
-Eva

2. When we were leaving Penbroke Pines and Eric Welter gave us all of his Pokemon cards - sitting on the bench on the front porch looking at them all.

3. In the apartment, when we would catch those orange bugs - rip their wings off [so they couldn't escape], play with them for a bit, and then throw them in ant piles.

4. Sims
[obsessing over, fighting over, describing our "family trees"]

"Mitchell is obedient. I don't ever really remember having to ever punish him. My favorite memory is of him and Max dressing as Power Rangers and thinking they were going to save the world from the bad guys. Mitch was the Blue Ranger and Max was the Red."
-Mom

"i like how he is a good caricature drawer... he was allways drawing in Anthoropology and made really good impersonations through drawing of everyone in the class"
-Chris

5. In high school:
Dr. Fitz
NHS
IB
Mrs. Bailey [favorite]
stressing - a lot

"Pie. I really enjoy how one time Reagan came to Gainesville and the three of us (Reagan, Mitchell, and myself) sat outside on top of a picnic table talking for hours."
-Joanna

"I have to say throwing pudding at the tree together and then painting our portraits together. That was the first one that came to mind. And my favorite attribute of his is his sense of humor, just in general."
- Kate

Sunday was by far the hardest day.
Mitchell and my parents all spoke in church.
I was able to contain myself up until the end of Mitchell's talk,
he just started saying how much he loved his siblings and friends and family
I was a goner - and it was like a chain reaction.
Dad, then Cassie, then Kate, then Kelly, then Courtney, then Eva, then Reagan, and then I think I saw a single tear leave my moms left eye - I mean I wear glasses, so I'm pretty sure I know what I saw.

I couldn't stop - I would see Cassie crying and then my eyes would tear up all over again - and I would just think - two years? - and how this summer was my last time with my siblings for a long time.

a really [really] long time.

We came home from church, had lunch, and enjoyed our last moments at home, together.
I love my family.

"ONE of my favorite memories is Mitchell's first semester at UF, the only semester he and I had together, he became my best friend, and we got to know each other better, depend and support each other. Another thing I love is all the games we made up as kids, like we would wear moms silk robes and pretend we were butterflies and run around the house or pretend we had magic powers or like we would play mermaids in the pool - obviously he did everything I wanted"
-Aleksi

and we even had time for a photoshoot.
Introducing: Rita Pita!

She is such a sweet baby and an awesome model.

[but so is chesney]

gosh I love that face.

Mitchell, we are all SO excited for you to go to Mexico,
we know you will have so much fun and you will be blessed for your service.
I love you so much.
You're my brother, my best friend, and my hero.
I look up to you more than you know.
thank you for doing what you do.
Buenas Suerte Hermano!
Te Quiero!
In the words of Dumbledore, "it is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities."

 
'Til we meet again.