After Sacrament meeting on Derek and Hillary's last Sunday in the BYU 14th ward, they asked all those "who are leaving for good" to come to the front of the chapel, while the rest sang a traditional farewell--Aloha 'Oe ("until we meet again")--that left everyone in tears. How many memories for this little family in their island paradise at Laie, Hawaii, that was alma mater and home and the place of so much effort, so many dear friends and adventures--including first years of marriage and the birth of Jocelyn. I can't imagine how difficult it must be today as they leave for the mainland! Ray and I had such a dear time with them. A last dinner at their favorite Thai place, the graduation ceremonies (leis piled high an expression of everyone's joy and delight), the fabulous evening show at the Pacific Cultural Center, a walk in the lush Waimea Valley, dinner celebration at the Turtle Bay Resort and a lovely morning in the 14th Ward on Sunday, where everyone hugged everyone good-bye and wished them well....Aweseome accomplishment, Derek. Where did the years go? I wonder if 20 years ago you would have imagined yourself at this awesome place in time. Congratulations on your achievement!! Best wishes for the best year ever.
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