There Is No Arizona

That's been the running joke I've had with my brother Tod ever since he received his mission call to the Arizona Phoenix Mission. He doesn't much listen to country music, although he does love that Keith Urban, but then again who doesn't? But a country song that was popular 10 years ago by a no-namer who hasn't come out with a new hit since, doesn't quite fall in his country music knowledge.

That is until I started singing it to him every chance I got. "Tod, don't you know there is no Arizona" and I'd belt it out as I'm prone to do and he would chuckle as if it was the first time I sang it to him. He's a good brother.

This past weekend I went to Ohio to see my family and give "one last toot for Tod," as my brother-in-law Dave put it, before he leaves to serve the Lord in Arizona for 2 years. I am very proud of him and his decision to serve. Life hasn't always been easy for him, but he has always stayed strong and been dedicated to the Lord. Because of this, I know he will be a great missionary.

The weekend was filled with good events, starting with a trip to the Columbus temple as one of the final, yet very important steps in preparation before Tod leaves. Sure, we had to eat at the Hometown Buffet afterward, but for some reason, it's Tod's favorite so I went along with no complaints. Okay, almost no complaints.

Sunday Tod gave an excellent talk on the covenants made at baptism. It was touching to see him speak with such confidence and grace. Mom wanted all the Flory children to sing and so we did, along with a few family friends. While the exact details of that moment can't be shared here, mom just may think twice before she signs us ALL up to sing. It will definitely go down in Flory family history.

With my amazing cooking skills, I made pork burritos, Cafe Rio style for the farewell feast. So, they weren't exactly like Cafe Rio, but they were pretty darn good.

"You're getting to be a pretty good cook for someone who used to never step foot in the kitchen." Clearly my mom was shocked. Cooking dinner was the least I could do to show her she didn't fail completely in domesticating me. "Remember in high school when you wouldn't even heat up your Lean Cuisine ?" Yes Mom, I remember. I also remember when I called you after moving to my first apartment in college because I didn't know how to make a baked potato.

And so it seems both Tod and I have come a long way.

It was definitely a fast trip, but I am glad I got to spend time with Tod before he departs to preach the gospel. As the song goes ... he's "headed for a new and better life, out in Arizona!"

Elder Tod Alan Flory

Amy, Nikki, Tod, Me at Columbus Ohio temple