The Story of An Hour

Today, we send off two missionaries, Jered and Erin Weber-Johnson.
It is early morning, about five-thirty,
Yet many people come to wave their goodbyes.

Group photos, in an occasion like this, are of course a must,
And many people are still showing up while we are taking them.

Prayers, in an occasion like this, are of course a must,
And Daniel, the person who works most closely with Jered, says the prayer.

Hugs, in an occasion like this, are of course a must,
And Jered hugs a person who has assisted him in many ways during his stay.

Final chats, in an occasion like this, are of course a must,
And Jered and Erin share their last thoughts,
With Jered's rich body language, with us.

Weeping, in an occasion like this, is of course a must,
And Daniel weeps, at that moment they are set to board the van to the airport.

Last hug, in an occasion like this, is of course a must,
And Jered, Erin, and Daniel, before the door of the van,
Have their last hug.

Breakfast, in an occasion like this, is of course a must,
And those who wave their goodbyes share the first moment
Of things getting back to normal.

Going back to normal, in an occasion like this, is of course a must,
Yet we all know,
The next time we pass the office door
From which "Come in, please." will no longer be the answer upon knocking,
And the next time we see an airplane soaring into the sky,
This story of an hour will remind us:
We are not the same anymore.