Farewell

*Since my blog is public, I don't want random fans finding this blog via Google, so I won't be using my friend's name. Sorry if it sounds a bit cryptic :)

Most of you know that a particular singer is a good friend of mine. I've known him since 10th grade. We ran in the same circles in high school, and whenever we'd play midnight dodgeball (Sunday nights whenever there was no school on Monday) he would host after-parties at his house. Then when he was a Junior and I was a Senior, he asked me to Homecoming. He has always been sweet, kind of shy, and extremely kind to everyone. Although we didn't keep in touch constantly after he was on A.I., I was still able to see him periodically. Sometimes we'd hang out when he was in town, and during the semester I was working in Disneyland, he happened to have a Christmas concert in Anaheim--we were able to meet up and hang out in his dressing room and tour bus for a while.

My friend recently made the decision to serve an LDS mission. He is going to give up his music career for the next two years to serve God and spread His word. I'm so incredibly proud of him. It's hard enough for the average young adult male to give up his life for two years. I can't imagine the sacrifice it will be for a celebrity.


Anyway, this friend of mine invited me to attend his farewell talk. Not many people were invited, and there was only a handful of high school friends in attendance. I was so happy to be included, and the whole thing was just an incredible experience. Elder Ballard was there, as well as a few other "Mormon celebrities" like Alex Boye and Sheri Dew.

My friend gave a wonderful talk about the Holy Ghost and how different people feel the Spirit. He shared some of his experiences, many of them from his time on A.I. He did a great job. After his talk, he sang "The Spirit of God." It was a beautiful arrangement. He sang the first verse in English, the second verse in Spanish (the language he'll be speaking on his mission), and finished it off again in English. He got a little choked up while he was singing... As if we weren't all emotional already, once he lost it, I'm pretty sure everyone was crying. There was a surround sound of sniffles, that's for sure.

After the meeting, everyone was invited to shake hands with my friend and say hello in the cultural hall, and some of his closer friends were invited to a luncheon. I stopped by the luncheon and had a good time. I always feel self-conscious when there are stylists around though! (His stylist is a nice person--and her husband is hilarious--but I still feel like she thinks I look frumpy or something.) Regardless, I got to catch up with some high school friends and eat some yummy food, so I'd say it was a success.

My friend left for the MTC three days later (and happened to make a quick appearance in the choir at General Conference four days after that). I'm so proud of him and wish him the best of luck. I'll miss you, D! You'll be an awesome missionary!