I have a friend who really struggled when her missionary left. Sad for months. Finally someone came up at church and said, “I know this is really hard for you. It’s a difficult thing sending a missionary for two years. But think for a minute how you would feel if your son decided not to serve.” For my friend, this was what she needed to hear to focus on the positive and her outlook completely changed. Still hard for her, but being grateful for her son’s choice made it much better.