Why I am a Missionary

A fellow missionary asked me to write up my experiences leading to our call and service in the Family History Mission.
My dearly loved husband died in September of 2006.  His death was sudden and completely unexpected.  Even though we had each had our share of health challenges we both expected to live long productive lives, including senior missionary service, together.  It never occured to me that I would serve a mission without him.
I went through a year of feeling quite numb, going through the motions, trying to be a good person, taking care of my family.  (They undoubtably remember that year as taking care of me, which they did)
As I emerged from the "widow fog" I started to feel very restless.  Unsure of why, I wondered if it was time to sell my home and move closer to some of my grandkids.  I worked hard, and hired people who worked even harder, getting my house fixed up so that it would really appeal to prospective buyers, and put it on the market.  It just sat there.  Homes around us were selling, but no one even acted interested in mine.
I told David that it was time to find out what the Lord wanted us to do and get his input on my restless feelings.  We set aside a day to fast and pray.  (If you know David you know that he hates to fast, so this was a big sacrifice for him.)  As we were preparing to break our fast I offered a prayer asking for direction.  The unmistakable impression came to me that WE should go on a mission.  I almost shouted "You're kidding?! Really?  That was what this was all about?"  Why had that no even occured to me as a possibility?  Just dense I guess.
Anyway, I told my son, my boss, that we were going to go on a mission.  As usual he was sweet and supportive.  I told our bishop and he said he thought we'd be coming in to talk to him about that.  How come I was the only one who was surprised.
Then the stake president and bishop informed us that Salt Lake wasn't so excited about the idea.  It seems they welcome couples with special needs adult children, but weren't so sure about a single sister and her handicapped son.  I told the Stake President that I wasn't worried, because this surely was not my idea, so the Lord would make it happen if He wanted us to go.
I guess my dear Stake President really went to bat for us, because a few weeks later we got a call to serve in the Salt Lake Family History Mission.  We were told that there was nothing for David to do here, then almost immediately told David would be a part of the mission too.  No one was sure how that would happen, but we all knew it would.
The rest is history.  David has a wonderful assignment working with other special service missionaries in the Church Office Building Cafeteria, and I work with beginning family history patrons in the Family History Library. 
I have a feeling that we were not called here because of what we had to offer, but rather that the Lord had things to teach us we couldn't learn any other way.  Whatever the reason, I am grateful.