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Departure and Mission

Tuesday January 29 1946:

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Today will always be remembered with deep gratitude. I spent most of the day at the office. Many called to wish me Godspeed on my mission. Everyone is so kind-neighbors, friends, the Brethren, etc. Many have brought gifts.

I was in conferences with members of the First Presidency several times. How I love them and appreciate their love and confidence. May I ever be worthy of it.

Several of the Brethren have wanted to drive me to the airport, but I've accepted Brother Lee's invitation. I feel so close to him-a boyhood schoolmate and beloved associate. I had dinner and sweet devotion with the family at home and packed up my bags, received callers, completed details, and entertained many soul-satisfying thoughts.

At 9:40 P.M. good-byes were said to my three daughters-Barbara, Beverly, Bonnie-and son Mark. We were sobbing with sweet emotion. We also called Reed at Provo and talked until we both choked up. I had previously hugged little Beth good-bye as she put her sweet little arms around my neck. (ETB Journal.)

When our daddy kissed and said good-bye to five of his children, they all cried and clung to him because of the great love they have for him. Our son, Reed, is attending school at BYU in Provo. His daddy called him long distance, and they were both so happy to talk to each other and say good-bye with much love and appreciation for each other. (FAB Journal.)

Leaving my children in tears pulled at my heartstrings, but there was not a murmur nor complaint. They are surely true blue.

May the Lord keep and bless my loved ones forever. I leave them in His kind and loving care with gratitude and confidence that He will ever be near them. (ETB Journal.)

Just before my husband's departure President George Albert Smith came to our home to say good-bye to my husband. He kissed him in fond embrace. (FAB Journal.)

Brother and Sister Harold B. Lee called for us at 10:00 P.M. and drove us to the airport where, to our surprise, we found Brothers and Sisters Spencer W. Kimball, Mark E. Petersen, Matthew Cowley, and others.

I bade my dear wife and friends a fond adieu. It was most difficult to tell my sweet and ever-loyal wife good-bye. (ETB Journal.)

It was a peaceful feeling which came over me when I fondly kissed and said good-bye to my devoted and loving husband. (FAB Journal.)

On the plane, as I reflected on the scenes of the last few days, I quietly shed tears of gratitude as we soared eastward on the plane. (ETB Journal.)

Our beloved father and husband left by plane to take up his duties as president of the European Mission. This is an exceedingly great call, and we as a family feel that our devoted father and husband was rightly chosen by the Lord to be called to this great and important work.