Roommates--now there's a group of people that could fill up my soul spotlights for the rest of eternity! I had some great ones and some good ones, some weird ones and some normal ones, temporary and long-term, outgoing and shy, you name it! But one of the very most cherishable of them all was BRRRRENDA Copley!
I could rarely call her just Brenda. It's always BRRRRENDA!
When we signed up for another year at Regency, we saw a new girl's name, Brenda, and could hardly wait to meet her. Because who even is named Brenda anymore?! So we tried to imagine just what she would be like, whether she would like us (the 4 of us were quite loud and outgoing) and what kinds of things she did like.
Oh when we met her! It was the perfect moment of having expectations for someone and having them fulfilled and then shortly thereafter very much exceeded!
A story for every part of BRRRENDA, cap a pie:
Hair: BRRENDA has CRAZY hair. It is curly and long and bushy, but she knows exactly how to maintain it and often wears a little flower clip in it, which is endearing. One of the very first weeks she moved in, the twins asked if they could help her curl it. She of course said, as she always did to any kind of question, comment or concern, "okaaaaaay...." and before a second went by, Rach and Chels were circling around her brushing then straightening then pulling then bunching then curling. It took a long time. So long, in fact, that with all that standing and all that pulling and heat, Brenda couldn't take it. She eventually ended up barfing in the sink! :( Especially becuase we were new friends and she was shy, we all felt SO bad, but after taking a little rest and tying her hair up in a ponytail, she came out of her room and said..."Well, now I know. Curl till you hurl!"
Eyes: Brenda always wore these awesome pink 50's sunglasses! haha!
Ears: The first time my parents came to visit after Brenda moved in, I told my dad what hawk-like ears my new roommate had. Our apartment featured a kitchen at the front with a long hall of three bedrooms, Brenda's at the very back. I told my dad I would demonstrate and stood in the kitchen, facing the hallway. Then I quietly whispered, "Brrrrenda!" and from down at the very end of her hall behind her closed bedroom door came the reply in a whisper, "What?" Hawk-like ears!
Brain: Ok, I'll just say it. She's kinda nerdy. LOVES LOTR. But also VERY smart. She was a business student and we would walk to the Tanner building every day together, which we lovingly nicknamed "Eldon," the boy we spent all our time with and reserved Friday nights for but had a rather cold-shouldered personality. When she got into the business school, Dan Jones wrote her a song which has become legend and goes something like, "BRRRenda-ah-ah, BRRenda-ah-ah-ah, BRREnda-ah-ah you rock!"
Torso: We lived through some pretty crazy roommates, Brenda and I, but her tender heart loved them all. Brenda is so easy-going and tolerant, so amiable and flexible, so chill. She patted us all when we experienced heartbreak and celebrated with us in our moments of triumph. She giggled for years about her missionary, and even when that story ended rather sadly, her heart was enduring and practical. Her heart has enough room for every cat in the world, including every Kat and all other roommates she stood by. She's got a tender heart, that one! And speaking of her torso, her stomach was always happy with some cereal for breakfast and mac 'n' cheese for dinner:)
Arms: One time Brenda came into town for my wedding and we wanted her to sleep on the bed but she just refused and laid on the floor. Too bad for her we lifted her up by her arms and legs and laid her right on that bed! And, as always, she was tolerant and laughed.
Legs: No legs have ever been able to run away from a camera fast than BRRENDA's. She hated having her picture taken, but again, tolerated us when we just couldn't resist capturing her great Brendaness! Also, she didn't have a car but walked everywhere and was perfectly content in doing so.One time I convinced her to help me find a new swimsuit and we went to Big 5. When we got there, there was a sign on the door that said, "Please Use Other Door." I don't know why I assumed that meant the one that didn't actually exist on the other side of the building in the dark sketchy alley haha instead of the one right next to the sign, but Brenda just willingly walked with me to figure it out. And copiously made fun of me after that haha!
Ok one more story about her legs, one time we convinced her to come hike the Y with us at like 5 in the morning, because she wanted to make absolute sure she made it to class on time. We left so early and we just pushed her and pushed her and lied to her about how far we had gone until we just finally couldn't even go on anymore and she sat on the trail. haha we were so pushy and crazy, but she was so good natured to us.
Ok, just one more. When Elise got married, she flew out for the wedding (uh hi. She did that for mine too. Such a good friend!) Anyway, we told Lise we'd pick up the flowers and take them to the temple. Little did we know that they came in a HUGE cooler that took up most of my backseat, but Brenda was so willing to just squeeze her legs (and the rest of her) in the little 4 inches of space and drive for an hour and a half. haha so enduring.
Feet: Slippers! Every morning and night. So endearing.
I love Brenda so much! Between thinking "We fell in love in a hopeless place" was "homeless place" and laughing together about the crazy people we knew, making fun of boys in our ward ("I was impressed.....uponbythespirittoleave!"), walking to meet Eldon every day, squeezing on the bed with her to do homework, getting mature advice from her and on and on and on, she will always be such a dear friend to me. Tolerant and accepting and kind and adaptable, not to mention slyly hilarious and witty, I'm so glad she was the random roommate in our apartment.
BRRRenda-ah-ah-ah, BRRRenda-ah-ah-ah, BRRenda-ah-ah you rock!
Friday, April 17, 2015
Friday, January 9, 2015
Ya Big Pineapple Head!
Shelia Cope taught me so many lessons.
Literally, as my best Sunday School teacher. And also in general by the way she lived and treated me and everyone who knew her as her dearest friend. So many moments related to Sheila Cope are so poignant in my mind and have only become more so as I've experienced more of life.
The way she looked, for example. Most everything about Sis. Cope was long. She had a long face with a long, round mouth that smiled a huge smile for a long time because she was always smiling. She had a long frame and wore long skirts and had long eyelashes that fluttered so often with laughter and long fingers with long fake fingernails that pointed out so many valuable scriptures to my young, learning mind. Not long about Sis. Cope? Her beautiful gray hair, which stuck out short, short all over her long head. Which is where my Dad, after recently calling her as his new Relief Society President, answered the phone to her call and said, "Sheila Cope, ya big pineapple head!"
She also had long patience and a long sense of humor, which is why she drew a picture of a big pineapple on our signature bathroom wall after that. No offense taken, Bishop!
So much to say about Sis. Cope! She was, as I said, the best Sunday School teacher I ever had. She taught me things about Nephi's vision, something I had studied countless times before under the tutelage of other very great teachers, that I had never learned before. She made us think, she made us wonder about the gospel and helped us form our own testimonies where other teachers didn't quite know how to let that happen. She knew the scriptures so well. She loved them, too, loved studying them and loved sharing them with our young spirits. Such a great, great gospel teacher.
She sang in some kind of quartet or otherwise and I went to watch her perform one time. She wore a great long, blond wig for her performance and though I can't remember what was going on, it sticks in my mind as something totally ok for her to do because she was fun loving and not easily embarrassed.
And there's another lesson--her lighthearted love. She was so young at heart! So much loud laughter and clever joking and fun willingness. Such a good friend because she was so full of love!
As you can tell from my use of tenses, Sheila Cope is gone now. But even in her death she taught me some of the most valuable and most poignant lessons.
The phone call, for one. I had never been present when news of a death was first shared. But I remember that Christmas break we were in the basement and my mom got a call from Sis. Griggs and it was so solemnly received that I was very scared at first that something had happened to Sarah. But I had never seen my mom so sad. No time to clean up or toughen up before passing the news onto her children. And of course a tough woman like my mom would be sad about news like that, because Sheila Cope was such a dear friend to my tough ol mom. And there is nothing so sad as a sudden, young death like Sis. Cope's. That was indeed a very sad moment and a very important glimpse for me, though I didn't know how much it would help me later, of the tender emotions always present underneath my brave mom's seemingly impenetrable shell.
I remember picturing Sis. Cope in her driveway, shoveling the snow before she died. Of course she was doing something serviceable like that. Of course.
And then more lessons at the funeral. I've grown to like funerals less and less as I've experienced more and more of them, and looking back on that one now, I can see the same misery all over her family member's faces that I know now. I, awkward and young and inexperienced in death, was too shy to approach them, so while my dad did, I went to look in her casket. You know it was crazy. That wasn't the first dead body I'd seen. But I looked in at her laying there and knew instantly that the body before me was nothing more--just a body! My testimony of the resurrection, of the spirit, of our call to do more after death was fortified in looking at Sis. Cope in that moment. Because something in me absolutely protested at the thought of Sheila Cope actually just laying still for any amount of time. I knew with a surety that she was very busily running about, talking to people, sharing the gospel, teaching the scriptures, serving people! I knew it! I knew her body was just a mortal shell and her spirit was still busy serving Heavenly Father. Such a clear, distinct impression to me. A hard one to share, because death is so devastating. But in my relatively untouched emotional realm then, that was the thought I had at the side of Sis. Cope's coffin.
One more very hard one, one that has become harder as I've recalled it when looking at my mother-in-law and my own mom and my husband and Bro. Cox and myself. A few days after the funeral, the normal gang gathered at the church to play some late night volleyball. Towards the end of the night, a figure appeared in the doorway of the gym and we all stopped playing to talk to the man. It was Bro. Cope. It was his responsibility to close up the building each night, and there he was a few days after his wife's funeral, just doing his job. That was one thing. The other main thing--man it was hard. I was so young! I couldn't even know what was going on! But I looked at that guy leaned up against the door frame, smiling because he was talking to us, but I just saw a gray outline. His whole soul was visibly broken. I saw it--I saw his shattered heart. I saw him be so sad, I saw him not even really being there, just being there. I saw it then and now I can see it so clearly in my own reflection that that image is so hard. But it was a lesson, again, from Sis. Cope. Her marriage was the most important thing in her and her husband's lives. I could tell by looking at that brokenhearted man leaned up against that door frame, only smiling cus his soul was too devastated to not.
I've thought a lot about all of these things, and thought a lot about them when Billy's dad died. I have Sheila Cope to thank for the gospel knowledge that I learned to love at an early age and so many other lessons on grief and love and service that have helped me see things in a different light, especially when there doesn't seem to be a lot of light to work with. Thank you, thank you, Sis. Cope. I will always be grateful for your friendship and lessons.
Literally, as my best Sunday School teacher. And also in general by the way she lived and treated me and everyone who knew her as her dearest friend. So many moments related to Sheila Cope are so poignant in my mind and have only become more so as I've experienced more of life.
The way she looked, for example. Most everything about Sis. Cope was long. She had a long face with a long, round mouth that smiled a huge smile for a long time because she was always smiling. She had a long frame and wore long skirts and had long eyelashes that fluttered so often with laughter and long fingers with long fake fingernails that pointed out so many valuable scriptures to my young, learning mind. Not long about Sis. Cope? Her beautiful gray hair, which stuck out short, short all over her long head. Which is where my Dad, after recently calling her as his new Relief Society President, answered the phone to her call and said, "Sheila Cope, ya big pineapple head!"
She also had long patience and a long sense of humor, which is why she drew a picture of a big pineapple on our signature bathroom wall after that. No offense taken, Bishop!
So much to say about Sis. Cope! She was, as I said, the best Sunday School teacher I ever had. She taught me things about Nephi's vision, something I had studied countless times before under the tutelage of other very great teachers, that I had never learned before. She made us think, she made us wonder about the gospel and helped us form our own testimonies where other teachers didn't quite know how to let that happen. She knew the scriptures so well. She loved them, too, loved studying them and loved sharing them with our young spirits. Such a great, great gospel teacher.
She sang in some kind of quartet or otherwise and I went to watch her perform one time. She wore a great long, blond wig for her performance and though I can't remember what was going on, it sticks in my mind as something totally ok for her to do because she was fun loving and not easily embarrassed.
And there's another lesson--her lighthearted love. She was so young at heart! So much loud laughter and clever joking and fun willingness. Such a good friend because she was so full of love!
As you can tell from my use of tenses, Sheila Cope is gone now. But even in her death she taught me some of the most valuable and most poignant lessons.
The phone call, for one. I had never been present when news of a death was first shared. But I remember that Christmas break we were in the basement and my mom got a call from Sis. Griggs and it was so solemnly received that I was very scared at first that something had happened to Sarah. But I had never seen my mom so sad. No time to clean up or toughen up before passing the news onto her children. And of course a tough woman like my mom would be sad about news like that, because Sheila Cope was such a dear friend to my tough ol mom. And there is nothing so sad as a sudden, young death like Sis. Cope's. That was indeed a very sad moment and a very important glimpse for me, though I didn't know how much it would help me later, of the tender emotions always present underneath my brave mom's seemingly impenetrable shell.
I remember picturing Sis. Cope in her driveway, shoveling the snow before she died. Of course she was doing something serviceable like that. Of course.
And then more lessons at the funeral. I've grown to like funerals less and less as I've experienced more and more of them, and looking back on that one now, I can see the same misery all over her family member's faces that I know now. I, awkward and young and inexperienced in death, was too shy to approach them, so while my dad did, I went to look in her casket. You know it was crazy. That wasn't the first dead body I'd seen. But I looked in at her laying there and knew instantly that the body before me was nothing more--just a body! My testimony of the resurrection, of the spirit, of our call to do more after death was fortified in looking at Sis. Cope in that moment. Because something in me absolutely protested at the thought of Sheila Cope actually just laying still for any amount of time. I knew with a surety that she was very busily running about, talking to people, sharing the gospel, teaching the scriptures, serving people! I knew it! I knew her body was just a mortal shell and her spirit was still busy serving Heavenly Father. Such a clear, distinct impression to me. A hard one to share, because death is so devastating. But in my relatively untouched emotional realm then, that was the thought I had at the side of Sis. Cope's coffin.
One more very hard one, one that has become harder as I've recalled it when looking at my mother-in-law and my own mom and my husband and Bro. Cox and myself. A few days after the funeral, the normal gang gathered at the church to play some late night volleyball. Towards the end of the night, a figure appeared in the doorway of the gym and we all stopped playing to talk to the man. It was Bro. Cope. It was his responsibility to close up the building each night, and there he was a few days after his wife's funeral, just doing his job. That was one thing. The other main thing--man it was hard. I was so young! I couldn't even know what was going on! But I looked at that guy leaned up against the door frame, smiling because he was talking to us, but I just saw a gray outline. His whole soul was visibly broken. I saw it--I saw his shattered heart. I saw him be so sad, I saw him not even really being there, just being there. I saw it then and now I can see it so clearly in my own reflection that that image is so hard. But it was a lesson, again, from Sis. Cope. Her marriage was the most important thing in her and her husband's lives. I could tell by looking at that brokenhearted man leaned up against that door frame, only smiling cus his soul was too devastated to not.
I've thought a lot about all of these things, and thought a lot about them when Billy's dad died. I have Sheila Cope to thank for the gospel knowledge that I learned to love at an early age and so many other lessons on grief and love and service that have helped me see things in a different light, especially when there doesn't seem to be a lot of light to work with. Thank you, thank you, Sis. Cope. I will always be grateful for your friendship and lessons.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Small Packages!
We all know it's true that big things come in small packages, and little Nancy Kryscynski is the epitome of this rule.
For though she has
a small body (smallest in her class, on her team, in her ward, in her family)
small eyes (squinty just like her mom's when she smiles)
a small voice (gentle and kind no matter what she's saying)
small legs (one of my strides is 12 of hers)
a small mouth (a lollipop is just barely too big)
small years (she is only 4)
small arms (she may be raising her hand, but you might miss it!)
small clothes (so, so cute, but small nonetheless)
a small growth on her ear (which I can't identify but for some reason endears her to me)
and a small wave (just barely peeking over the sacrament pew as she looks back at me)
she also has
a HUGE smile that lights up a room and your heart
HUGE amounts of love to anyone who says hi to her
HUGE running skills since she could outrun and run longer than most of the kids on her cross country team
HUGE abs, allowing her to also out-superman everyone, including her mom
a HUGE brain, memorizes primary songs and Articles of Faith better than the 12 year olds
HUGE faith in the Savior and
HUGE ability to be like Him
HUGE hugs that somehow wrap you up even though she's only the size of your thigh
HUGE singing skills that never fail the whole primary
HUGE love for her family that is evident in the way she plays
HUGE friendship to another dear girl named Annie Dennis who is her age but taller
HUGE likeness to her mom, who is one of my heroes
HUGE little-finger-wrapping skills
HUGE maturity for someone so young
HUGE childlike-ness that will probably never leave
HUGE humility to an older sister that likes to be in charge
HUGE love
HUGE love
HUGE love
She is one of the most single lovable, kind, tender, cute, and small-HUGE girls I have ever known!
For though she has
a small body (smallest in her class, on her team, in her ward, in her family)
small eyes (squinty just like her mom's when she smiles)
a small voice (gentle and kind no matter what she's saying)
small legs (one of my strides is 12 of hers)
a small mouth (a lollipop is just barely too big)
small years (she is only 4)
small arms (she may be raising her hand, but you might miss it!)
small clothes (so, so cute, but small nonetheless)
a small growth on her ear (which I can't identify but for some reason endears her to me)
and a small wave (just barely peeking over the sacrament pew as she looks back at me)
she also has
a HUGE smile that lights up a room and your heart
HUGE amounts of love to anyone who says hi to her
HUGE running skills since she could outrun and run longer than most of the kids on her cross country team
HUGE abs, allowing her to also out-superman everyone, including her mom
a HUGE brain, memorizes primary songs and Articles of Faith better than the 12 year olds
HUGE faith in the Savior and
HUGE ability to be like Him
HUGE hugs that somehow wrap you up even though she's only the size of your thigh
HUGE singing skills that never fail the whole primary
HUGE love for her family that is evident in the way she plays
HUGE friendship to another dear girl named Annie Dennis who is her age but taller
HUGE likeness to her mom, who is one of my heroes
HUGE little-finger-wrapping skills
HUGE maturity for someone so young
HUGE childlike-ness that will probably never leave
HUGE humility to an older sister that likes to be in charge
HUGE love
HUGE love
HUGE love
She is one of the most single lovable, kind, tender, cute, and small-HUGE girls I have ever known!
Monday, November 17, 2014
Jolly Holly
When I think of Holly Anderson, I think of
clean hair huge smile sparkling eyes adorable outfits definitely smitten with her husband always considerate of others willingly serving and loving it where others usually wouldn't inviting us over for dinner always endearing giggle making awesome cookies and awesome muffins and randomly bringing them by inviting us to a big party that we unfortunately couldn't go to but they came all the way to our house with said muffins to personally invite us up for a personal conversation anytime an awesome sister of many sisters plaid pleated skirts nursery kids love her campus operator uh hello that's like my dream job did i mention the happiest smile in the world younger sister submissive but still bold and individual purest testimony of the gospel comforting kind thoughtful remembering selfless tender softspoken complimentary forgiving loves sisters supportive of husband not afraid of trials awesome conversationalist rosy round cheeks unassuming will drop anything to help happy about everything sad about the right things smart smart smart patient with the impatient issues of this world
and also
one time holly's sister was on a triple date with two girls very dear to my heart who possess so many of the same qualities that holly does and there was an avalanche where they were snowshoeing and the next day holly was so so scared and worried about her sister but so so grateful that her sister was ok and the heartbreaking part of this story is that because of holly's testimony i looked up the story and discovered that one of the girls so dear to my heart died in the avalanche which was so so sad and i lost it at church and even though my friend died and her sister lived holly had only tender hand pats and very sincere words and real covenant-keeping tears to shed with me while i mourned that dear friend
and that's a personal and devestating story once removed from me but my closest personal story
the one about my baby dying is one i sometimes feel like i am living alone and forgotten but when the anniversary of zoey's birth came around who was at our door with a bouquet of flowers that she obviously didn't buy that day when she remembered cus billy told her at church or something cus it was the sabbath and a plate of cookies that were obviously made beforehand but holly anderson and her selfless husband and they were there prepared to comfort us because they remembered and they are tender even though i'm pretty sure they had just barely met us when zoey died and that is why
i love holly anderson.
clean hair huge smile sparkling eyes adorable outfits definitely smitten with her husband always considerate of others willingly serving and loving it where others usually wouldn't inviting us over for dinner always endearing giggle making awesome cookies and awesome muffins and randomly bringing them by inviting us to a big party that we unfortunately couldn't go to but they came all the way to our house with said muffins to personally invite us up for a personal conversation anytime an awesome sister of many sisters plaid pleated skirts nursery kids love her campus operator uh hello that's like my dream job did i mention the happiest smile in the world younger sister submissive but still bold and individual purest testimony of the gospel comforting kind thoughtful remembering selfless tender softspoken complimentary forgiving loves sisters supportive of husband not afraid of trials awesome conversationalist rosy round cheeks unassuming will drop anything to help happy about everything sad about the right things smart smart smart patient with the impatient issues of this world
and also
one time holly's sister was on a triple date with two girls very dear to my heart who possess so many of the same qualities that holly does and there was an avalanche where they were snowshoeing and the next day holly was so so scared and worried about her sister but so so grateful that her sister was ok and the heartbreaking part of this story is that because of holly's testimony i looked up the story and discovered that one of the girls so dear to my heart died in the avalanche which was so so sad and i lost it at church and even though my friend died and her sister lived holly had only tender hand pats and very sincere words and real covenant-keeping tears to shed with me while i mourned that dear friend
and that's a personal and devestating story once removed from me but my closest personal story
the one about my baby dying is one i sometimes feel like i am living alone and forgotten but when the anniversary of zoey's birth came around who was at our door with a bouquet of flowers that she obviously didn't buy that day when she remembered cus billy told her at church or something cus it was the sabbath and a plate of cookies that were obviously made beforehand but holly anderson and her selfless husband and they were there prepared to comfort us because they remembered and they are tender even though i'm pretty sure they had just barely met us when zoey died and that is why
i love holly anderson.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Win-Win
A good neighbor is a win-win, and Billy grew up with one and I have since noticed what a gem still lives across the street, an Irwin-win.
Her name is Annie Irwin and I know her only through Billy and his mom; but a few interactions and observations are enough to tell that she is a good soul.
1. She has a ton of sons (and maybe 1 daughter at the tail end?) but I always see them and her husband out in their driveway coming home from bike rides or doing various boy things. It's a boy family! But inside her house is clean and neat, fashionably decorated and well-maintained. She wears her womanhood with pride.
2. But oh how she loves those boys! One of them came home from his mission recently, and we heard about her excitement from Billy's mom for a long time in advance and when we went to his open house welcome party, you could just see she was beaming with joy and love!
3. But of course, she has another son out right now. We also attended the opening of his mission call and there saw the same beaming joy of a proud mother. He is a good-natured, humble-hearted boy, as are his brothers. She raised her boys right.
4. Which I also know because even though I personally can't tell them apart or know which is which, we run into them frequently enough and they are always kind and polite, friendly and reminiscent with Billy. They were obviously good friends to him, a lesson probably taught to them by their friendly mother.
5. She is that friendly person for Billy's mom, who spends much of her time by herself, sad. But I've heard Cynthia praise Annie and have seen Annie in action; when Billy's mom broke her foot, who helped her get around and recover? Annie Irwin.
6. She is still beautiful and young, with good blonde hair, sparkling eyes and a mature smile.
Between raising a bunch of boys and serving the neighborhood, I can tell that Annie Irwin is one of the best of the best.
Her name is Annie Irwin and I know her only through Billy and his mom; but a few interactions and observations are enough to tell that she is a good soul.
1. She has a ton of sons (and maybe 1 daughter at the tail end?) but I always see them and her husband out in their driveway coming home from bike rides or doing various boy things. It's a boy family! But inside her house is clean and neat, fashionably decorated and well-maintained. She wears her womanhood with pride.
2. But oh how she loves those boys! One of them came home from his mission recently, and we heard about her excitement from Billy's mom for a long time in advance and when we went to his open house welcome party, you could just see she was beaming with joy and love!
3. But of course, she has another son out right now. We also attended the opening of his mission call and there saw the same beaming joy of a proud mother. He is a good-natured, humble-hearted boy, as are his brothers. She raised her boys right.
4. Which I also know because even though I personally can't tell them apart or know which is which, we run into them frequently enough and they are always kind and polite, friendly and reminiscent with Billy. They were obviously good friends to him, a lesson probably taught to them by their friendly mother.
5. She is that friendly person for Billy's mom, who spends much of her time by herself, sad. But I've heard Cynthia praise Annie and have seen Annie in action; when Billy's mom broke her foot, who helped her get around and recover? Annie Irwin.
6. She is still beautiful and young, with good blonde hair, sparkling eyes and a mature smile.
Between raising a bunch of boys and serving the neighborhood, I can tell that Annie Irwin is one of the best of the best.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Dr. Life-Saver-Tenderhearted Drewes
It was no more than a 20 minute span from the time I was rolled into the delivery room to the time Zoey came into the world. In that time I went from a normal person 23 weeks pregnant to a frantic mother with no idea in the world what just happened. In that time at least 8 nurses and one doctor came into the room, one doctor who is still mostly a stranger but will always be very close to my heart.
I don't know what Dr. Peter Drewes likes to do in his spare time, I don't know what his favorite food is, how he came to be where he is today, or where he hopes to be someday. I don't really know anything about him other than the fact that he saved mine and my baby's life in a split second.
He's smart and he obviously studied very meticulously through his years of school. In a moment of crucial decision, he knew exactly how to make a 1 cm cut in my cervix, allowing just enough room for my baby's head, which came out last instead of first, to slip out. Not to mention that before that he knew exactly how to pull her out breach without any more serious damage than some bruises on her teeny legs.
He knew while wheeling me to the OR when I was shaking from cold and shock and who knows what else and sobbing to myself how foolish I had been to run that morning, that he needed to look me in my stranger eyes and tell me with all the firm compassion of a loving father that it wasn't my fault and I needed to stop saying that right now.
He knew what to tell me about the cut to my cervix, a cut he had never had to make in all his years as a delivery doctor and he also knew to tell me that he didn't have the answers, but he was going to help me. So tenderly, so straightforwardly so that even in my wretched and woeful state as my premature baby slept one floor above, I felt calm and trusting.
He of course didn't know what to say when Zoey died two days later. But he knew that he needed to visit me the next morning and hold my hand and tell me, tears in his eyes, how very sincerely sorry he was.
I wrote him a thank you note (how could I not? He saved me and my baby doing something he had only ever read about before) and when I went for my 6 week checkup, he answered all of our scared, worried and exhausted questions. He spoke to us like we were adults but comforted us like we were his own children. He mentioned the note as he was leaving and said, "You will be a great mom."
If I only he knew how much that comment meant to me then and now!
I may have been the first person Dr. Drewes had to make cervical cut for, but I was definitely not the first grieving mother he comforted; nonetheless, he made me and Billy feel like we were his most important priority and not just one on a list of mourning parents. I'm eternally grateful for his knowledge and quick thinking, but was even more impressed and thankful for his sincerity, realism and tenderness. Every doctor should try and be like Dr. Peter Drewes!
I don't know what Dr. Peter Drewes likes to do in his spare time, I don't know what his favorite food is, how he came to be where he is today, or where he hopes to be someday. I don't really know anything about him other than the fact that he saved mine and my baby's life in a split second.
He's smart and he obviously studied very meticulously through his years of school. In a moment of crucial decision, he knew exactly how to make a 1 cm cut in my cervix, allowing just enough room for my baby's head, which came out last instead of first, to slip out. Not to mention that before that he knew exactly how to pull her out breach without any more serious damage than some bruises on her teeny legs.
He knew while wheeling me to the OR when I was shaking from cold and shock and who knows what else and sobbing to myself how foolish I had been to run that morning, that he needed to look me in my stranger eyes and tell me with all the firm compassion of a loving father that it wasn't my fault and I needed to stop saying that right now.
He knew what to tell me about the cut to my cervix, a cut he had never had to make in all his years as a delivery doctor and he also knew to tell me that he didn't have the answers, but he was going to help me. So tenderly, so straightforwardly so that even in my wretched and woeful state as my premature baby slept one floor above, I felt calm and trusting.
He of course didn't know what to say when Zoey died two days later. But he knew that he needed to visit me the next morning and hold my hand and tell me, tears in his eyes, how very sincerely sorry he was.
I wrote him a thank you note (how could I not? He saved me and my baby doing something he had only ever read about before) and when I went for my 6 week checkup, he answered all of our scared, worried and exhausted questions. He spoke to us like we were adults but comforted us like we were his own children. He mentioned the note as he was leaving and said, "You will be a great mom."
If I only he knew how much that comment meant to me then and now!
I may have been the first person Dr. Drewes had to make cervical cut for, but I was definitely not the first grieving mother he comforted; nonetheless, he made me and Billy feel like we were his most important priority and not just one on a list of mourning parents. I'm eternally grateful for his knowledge and quick thinking, but was even more impressed and thankful for his sincerity, realism and tenderness. Every doctor should try and be like Dr. Peter Drewes!
So Many Souls
Time to spotlight some souls, since as of late I have been inadvertently reminded of this "secret" (mostly still secret except for a few blog-stalking people who have stumbled upon it through the forgotten years:) ) blog. I feel an urgency to spotlight so many souls, but am also overwhelmed since the number of spotlightable souls that have entered my life has increased exponentially a thousandfold since last I wrote. But, of course, enough about me. Onto the spotlights!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Pete.
At my home on Topaz Drive I have a yellow dog
But even he, in preciousness, is not the topic of this blog
Rather, now, I'll focus on his grandpa with two feet
That steady neighbor up the road, even good ol' Pete
Pete Hamill is a kind old man, in my neighborhood
And his soul is the essence of the essence of all good
And every day he'd walk his dog right around our block
Passing our house without fail each day at 3 o' clock
For he would walk Jasper- or most times Jasper would walk him
For Pete did plod like Pluto and Jasper'd jump like Tiny Tim
I'd sometimes talk to them when I would go and get the mail
And they both would greet me with a smile- and the wag of a happy tail
And sometimes I'd be stretching, to go out on a run
Without fail he'd say something and tell me to have fun
And off I'd go, and blow past him, without a second thought
Never considering him or the physical wars he's fought
He is old now, but I think back then he was all but calm and slow
I bet when he would run it would be like one constant flow
So hearing now the echo of those words as I'd take off
I learn the lesson to keep going- you can't ever get enough
Sometimes while they were walking I would drive on past
And Pete would wave to me so slow, though I was going fast
I see know that the happiness in taking time to greet
Is something that brings joy to more than just one soul like Pete
You might think that people stay inside when it gets cold
Especially those bald walkers who are actually kind of old
But no, think again, when considering my friend Pete Hamill
Even in the winter, he'd walk up and down those hills
Pete and Jasper, Jasper and Peter, the regulars everyone knows
The consistency of the owner is the main point of this prose
For everyday Pete would take that dog out for his walk
To think he does it still brings me not a single shock
Though it should-and now you see, Pete's plod is getting slower
He doesn't respond like he once did to the tugging on his shoulder
For years he'd follow Jasper round, even if it was quite slow
Simply cus he loves his dog and his dog just loves it so
Topaz Drive still sees them, now they're a tamer pair
Jasper has calmed down- but they still have a wave to spare
Instead of tugging like when he was young, Jasper walks next to Pete
And Pete still walks the block, his dog's desire to always meet
The lesson here that I'll point out 'bout this tender soul
Is Pete is one who always gave his love to others in whole
Walking is hard, when you are old, and your dog is a jumpy pup
But when it comes to serving others, you just keep it up!
For one day when you are walking the familiar block of service
People will see you and recognize something they never noticed
You are out there everyday with the sick, afflicted, and hungry
Even if it means walking in the cold- you've been making someone happy
And after awhile they'll look again and tears will spring to their eyes
You'll teach them a lesson Pete taught me about selfless sacrifice
You see, when you walk that road, others tugging with demands
You sometimes give your own will up and do as He commands
Mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need
And later something will happen-miraculous indeed
Eventually those tugging souls whose service you did provide
Will--like Jasper did for Pete--slow, and walk by your side.
But even he, in preciousness, is not the topic of this blog
Rather, now, I'll focus on his grandpa with two feet
That steady neighbor up the road, even good ol' Pete
Pete Hamill is a kind old man, in my neighborhood
And his soul is the essence of the essence of all good
And every day he'd walk his dog right around our block
Passing our house without fail each day at 3 o' clock
For he would walk Jasper- or most times Jasper would walk him
For Pete did plod like Pluto and Jasper'd jump like Tiny Tim
I'd sometimes talk to them when I would go and get the mail
And they both would greet me with a smile- and the wag of a happy tail
And sometimes I'd be stretching, to go out on a run
Without fail he'd say something and tell me to have fun
And off I'd go, and blow past him, without a second thought
Never considering him or the physical wars he's fought
He is old now, but I think back then he was all but calm and slow
I bet when he would run it would be like one constant flow
So hearing now the echo of those words as I'd take off
I learn the lesson to keep going- you can't ever get enough
Sometimes while they were walking I would drive on past
And Pete would wave to me so slow, though I was going fast
I see know that the happiness in taking time to greet
Is something that brings joy to more than just one soul like Pete
You might think that people stay inside when it gets cold
Especially those bald walkers who are actually kind of old
But no, think again, when considering my friend Pete Hamill
Even in the winter, he'd walk up and down those hills
Pete and Jasper, Jasper and Peter, the regulars everyone knows
The consistency of the owner is the main point of this prose
For everyday Pete would take that dog out for his walk
To think he does it still brings me not a single shock
Though it should-and now you see, Pete's plod is getting slower
He doesn't respond like he once did to the tugging on his shoulder
For years he'd follow Jasper round, even if it was quite slow
Simply cus he loves his dog and his dog just loves it so
Topaz Drive still sees them, now they're a tamer pair
Jasper has calmed down- but they still have a wave to spare
Instead of tugging like when he was young, Jasper walks next to Pete
And Pete still walks the block, his dog's desire to always meet
The lesson here that I'll point out 'bout this tender soul
Is Pete is one who always gave his love to others in whole
Walking is hard, when you are old, and your dog is a jumpy pup
But when it comes to serving others, you just keep it up!
For one day when you are walking the familiar block of service
People will see you and recognize something they never noticed
You are out there everyday with the sick, afflicted, and hungry
Even if it means walking in the cold- you've been making someone happy
And after awhile they'll look again and tears will spring to their eyes
You'll teach them a lesson Pete taught me about selfless sacrifice
You see, when you walk that road, others tugging with demands
You sometimes give your own will up and do as He commands
Mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need
And later something will happen-miraculous indeed
Eventually those tugging souls whose service you did provide
Will--like Jasper did for Pete--slow, and walk by your side.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Boldly Going= Bolding
This past summer I was a wandering little soul who knew nothing about how to be in the non-freshman college world, but I was fortunate to be associated with an older sister who luckily had many friends that kindly took me under their wings and showed me the ropes. One of these said souls stands at about my height but is seriously a giant in sociability, talents, spiritual growth, intelligence, innovation, humor, and purely defined friendship.
Joshua Bolding!
Here is an ABC's for Josh, who I sincerely cherish above most other people here. (Warning: Josh is one of those souls for whom I know a blog spotlight will ever do justice, but it must be done)
A: Athletic haha (except at Bocce Ball and laser tag!)
B: Bold- quite fitting for Bolding. If he gets an idea, he will boldly pursue it.
C: Confident and competitive. Like, extremely.
D: Dedicated
E: Enduring
F: Feisty
G: Genuine. Not one thing about Josh is fake or a facade and he expects the same of everyone else and appreciates those who are genuine.
H: HIlarious
I: Innovative
J: Judges soundly
K: Kind. Seriously, like some people use this term loosely to describe anyone who smiles, but Josh really is like really truly a KIND person. I've never felt so cared for
L: Laughter! hhahaha just laugh with Josh and you won't be able to stop
M: Mexican. And proud of it.
N: No-crap policy. Josh won't put up with it.
O: Opinionated
P: Personable. Josh gets what he wants 97% of the time because he is personable
Q: Quiet observer. Which is why, originally, I think he was friends with Charina. They're both those that quietly observe but when the bond is formed they're right in there with the rest of the crowd laughing and making jokes and shniking.
R: Reflective. I've heard Josh tell stories that make me know he really thinks about himself and what he's experienced and then applies those lessons to what he's doing now, which is what real wisdom is all about
S: Shnike! Hahaha One of my downfalls is kind of poking fun at people and when I am with Josh it is all too easy to do that
T: TESTIMONY OF A GIANT. Listen to this guy talk about the gospel and his testimony of it, and you will be inspired and immediately have a greater desire yourself to be better.
U: Unfailing. Josh doesn't fail a lot, which is good, cus he doesn't like it.
V: Vigor. Or passion, some might say. In every cause to which he is devoted, he gives his full measure
W: Writer. Josh wrote all the basketball articles fall semester and they were great!
X: X-centric? He is pretty weird haha
Y & Z: these last two are going to be too hard to think of appropriate words without stretching too much, so i will just finish by saying Josh is also dear becuase he has distinct forearms and eyebrows (perpetually like this: / \) and he has taught me much about how to serve other people and never give up and be COMPLETELY real and just genuine to all that know me--none of this fake stuff. He has an astounding understanding of the gospel and incredible activeness in being SELFLESS all the time. And on the other hand of all these righteous components, Josh is feisty and shnikey and hilariously good at poking fun at people and all of these things are wonderfully endearing.
Thanks, Char, for leaving me with such a good friend!
Joshua Bolding!
Here is an ABC's for Josh, who I sincerely cherish above most other people here. (Warning: Josh is one of those souls for whom I know a blog spotlight will ever do justice, but it must be done)
A: Athletic haha (except at Bocce Ball and laser tag!)
B: Bold- quite fitting for Bolding. If he gets an idea, he will boldly pursue it.
C: Confident and competitive. Like, extremely.
D: Dedicated
E: Enduring
F: Feisty
G: Genuine. Not one thing about Josh is fake or a facade and he expects the same of everyone else and appreciates those who are genuine.
H: HIlarious
I: Innovative
J: Judges soundly
K: Kind. Seriously, like some people use this term loosely to describe anyone who smiles, but Josh really is like really truly a KIND person. I've never felt so cared for
L: Laughter! hhahaha just laugh with Josh and you won't be able to stop
M: Mexican. And proud of it.
N: No-crap policy. Josh won't put up with it.
O: Opinionated
P: Personable. Josh gets what he wants 97% of the time because he is personable
Q: Quiet observer. Which is why, originally, I think he was friends with Charina. They're both those that quietly observe but when the bond is formed they're right in there with the rest of the crowd laughing and making jokes and shniking.
R: Reflective. I've heard Josh tell stories that make me know he really thinks about himself and what he's experienced and then applies those lessons to what he's doing now, which is what real wisdom is all about
S: Shnike! Hahaha One of my downfalls is kind of poking fun at people and when I am with Josh it is all too easy to do that
T: TESTIMONY OF A GIANT. Listen to this guy talk about the gospel and his testimony of it, and you will be inspired and immediately have a greater desire yourself to be better.
U: Unfailing. Josh doesn't fail a lot, which is good, cus he doesn't like it.
V: Vigor. Or passion, some might say. In every cause to which he is devoted, he gives his full measure
W: Writer. Josh wrote all the basketball articles fall semester and they were great!
X: X-centric? He is pretty weird haha
Y & Z: these last two are going to be too hard to think of appropriate words without stretching too much, so i will just finish by saying Josh is also dear becuase he has distinct forearms and eyebrows (perpetually like this: / \) and he has taught me much about how to serve other people and never give up and be COMPLETELY real and just genuine to all that know me--none of this fake stuff. He has an astounding understanding of the gospel and incredible activeness in being SELFLESS all the time. And on the other hand of all these righteous components, Josh is feisty and shnikey and hilariously good at poking fun at people and all of these things are wonderfully endearing.
Thanks, Char, for leaving me with such a good friend!
Friday, February 11, 2011
This is a Spotlight of Running
The first time I saw LaDon Ray Linde Jr., he was coming up an escalator in the Denver Airport and he had on a pinstripe suit and long pointy shoes and I thought he looked pretty suave like and weird. We drove out of the airport where an African man took our parking ticket and the booth where he sat had his name on it and it said something like Lnagoiduren and LaDon made a comment on what a crazy name it was and I said, "At least it's not LaDon!"
We've been friends ever since!
LaDon grew up on a dairy farm and has a degree in accounting and married my sister in 2007 after knowing her for like 3 months or something, but I know few other happier couples in this world. He is tall and walks like a Mexican runner and has the deepest, loudest, ever moving voice, and talks about the gospel, and laughs, and makes hilariously inappropriate jokes and tells stories and listens and respects people and is a good father. He is the best. Here are some stories about running, one of the reasons I feel I am so bonded to LaDon.
One time LaDon and I went running in Provo and it was late at night and he just kept dashing through all the red lights and running into trashcans becuase he was all about moving and not stopping. Taught me how to be an aggressive runner in Provo.
Another Provo run occurred when my family was in town for Spring Break and LaDon met me at the hotel really early and we went running on the Provo River trail and I was telling him about one of my friends who was struggling and he was a good listener. Then he had a meeting and we were on the wrong side of the fence to get home so we just hopped it. LaDon is a good haver of adventures.
On New Year's a few years ago we all ran this race and LaDon was DETERMINED to run the 10k with me and all that jazz and so I was all excited and we got started and we're running and the first 3/4 of the race is all uphill and so it was hard and it was altitude and LaDon made it like halfway, pounding his feet, breathing hard, and yelling to everyone around how glorious it was that we were running, until he couldn't anymore and just told me to go ahead. It was a valiant effort on his part, but....
it just inspired him to do better! so he ran and we signed up for the Provo Half Marathon. It ws so funny becuase I came in town to run it and we were registering the night before and there was pizza in the trashcan and we ATE IT! Hahah it was so funny. Anyway, next day, half marathon, and LaDon beat me by a good 2 minutes! It was awesome.
So then he ran and I ran and he moved to California. I went and visited him and we ran these stairs that were SO crazy and LaDon ran them so fast and so good, and it killed me!
Also, one time we ran up this hill with this baby carriage and it was one of the hardest runs I've ever done.
One of the best running moments was when I finished my first marathon, LaDon came and watched and afterwards I just laid on the ground and rested my little body and there was LaDon, just laying on the ground next to me just completely dead and lolling around like he had just finished a marathon too, except he kept saying, "Krista. We got to run one of these someday. Me and you, next time, Krista." It was so funny, even in my extreme fatigue, I was just laughing at LaDon in my head and assuring him that yes, we would run one together someday. And I know we will because we are bonded running souls.
One time I was running and I was thinking about LaDon and I remembered this time that amidst one of our usual discussions about the gospel (which LaDon initiated, of course) he asked me what I thought something meant and I had no idea so I threw something out there and he just bluntly told me that it was completely wrong and hahah then i was scared to answer anymore questions, but it was honestly a very good, humbling experience for me. I wish more people were like LaDon when i said wrong things, or I would always go around thinking I was right and that is certainly not true.
The point of all that is I love LaDon. He is so cool and so kind and so blunt and so funny and so loud and so perfect for my sister Jamie. I like LaDon because he honestly cares about and for people, but he won't baby them. He makes them think for themselves and tough it out, but with the assurance that he's there for some good sound advice. He knows the church is true and shares that with everyone. And he's a goofball, which makes any moment fun. I am very glad LaDon is in my family and my closest circle of friends.
Even if his name is LaDon.
We've been friends ever since!
LaDon grew up on a dairy farm and has a degree in accounting and married my sister in 2007 after knowing her for like 3 months or something, but I know few other happier couples in this world. He is tall and walks like a Mexican runner and has the deepest, loudest, ever moving voice, and talks about the gospel, and laughs, and makes hilariously inappropriate jokes and tells stories and listens and respects people and is a good father. He is the best. Here are some stories about running, one of the reasons I feel I am so bonded to LaDon.
One time LaDon and I went running in Provo and it was late at night and he just kept dashing through all the red lights and running into trashcans becuase he was all about moving and not stopping. Taught me how to be an aggressive runner in Provo.
Another Provo run occurred when my family was in town for Spring Break and LaDon met me at the hotel really early and we went running on the Provo River trail and I was telling him about one of my friends who was struggling and he was a good listener. Then he had a meeting and we were on the wrong side of the fence to get home so we just hopped it. LaDon is a good haver of adventures.
On New Year's a few years ago we all ran this race and LaDon was DETERMINED to run the 10k with me and all that jazz and so I was all excited and we got started and we're running and the first 3/4 of the race is all uphill and so it was hard and it was altitude and LaDon made it like halfway, pounding his feet, breathing hard, and yelling to everyone around how glorious it was that we were running, until he couldn't anymore and just told me to go ahead. It was a valiant effort on his part, but....
it just inspired him to do better! so he ran and we signed up for the Provo Half Marathon. It ws so funny becuase I came in town to run it and we were registering the night before and there was pizza in the trashcan and we ATE IT! Hahah it was so funny. Anyway, next day, half marathon, and LaDon beat me by a good 2 minutes! It was awesome.
So then he ran and I ran and he moved to California. I went and visited him and we ran these stairs that were SO crazy and LaDon ran them so fast and so good, and it killed me!
Also, one time we ran up this hill with this baby carriage and it was one of the hardest runs I've ever done.
One of the best running moments was when I finished my first marathon, LaDon came and watched and afterwards I just laid on the ground and rested my little body and there was LaDon, just laying on the ground next to me just completely dead and lolling around like he had just finished a marathon too, except he kept saying, "Krista. We got to run one of these someday. Me and you, next time, Krista." It was so funny, even in my extreme fatigue, I was just laughing at LaDon in my head and assuring him that yes, we would run one together someday. And I know we will because we are bonded running souls.
One time I was running and I was thinking about LaDon and I remembered this time that amidst one of our usual discussions about the gospel (which LaDon initiated, of course) he asked me what I thought something meant and I had no idea so I threw something out there and he just bluntly told me that it was completely wrong and hahah then i was scared to answer anymore questions, but it was honestly a very good, humbling experience for me. I wish more people were like LaDon when i said wrong things, or I would always go around thinking I was right and that is certainly not true.
The point of all that is I love LaDon. He is so cool and so kind and so blunt and so funny and so loud and so perfect for my sister Jamie. I like LaDon because he honestly cares about and for people, but he won't baby them. He makes them think for themselves and tough it out, but with the assurance that he's there for some good sound advice. He knows the church is true and shares that with everyone. And he's a goofball, which makes any moment fun. I am very glad LaDon is in my family and my closest circle of friends.
Even if his name is LaDon.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Lola Snively!
Today my roommate Elise was drawing a flower and it made me think of how in my childhood I knew a man who was an artist and he drew all of his pictures based entirely around music components (ie he would draw a rose bud by first turning a treble clef upside down and loosening its ends to creat the swirl and leaves of the rose.) Anyway, really ingenious guy. He was married to my second grade teacher, which made me realize how humble and quaint a lifestyle they live, which reminded me oh so dearly of said teacher, Mrs. Lola (ann?) Snively.
(For the record, she actually popped randomly into my head twice today. I knew a spotlight was imminent)
I can sincerely trace my love for all things eccentric, all humor quirky, all brain exercises effective, all songs unknown, and all love unfeigned back to Mrs. Snively.
Every morning she would sing a song with us. Lollipop Tree, 12 Days of Christmas, America the Beautiful, you name it. She knew it.
She used to spank us on our birthdays! hahah! And in such odd ways, it was so funny.
She is the master of odd voices and character impersonations. And I know it wasn't just my little child mind that was entertained by anything; she really was good.
She had themed days (Sandwich, watermelon, Christmas Around the World, etc) which were all AWESOME!
One day "Amelia Bedelia" came to our class (it was really her dressed up) (We didn't know that) (Or at least pretended not to) and she was pulling some Amelia Bededlia joke about stars and she put her hands on my shoulders and said, "This one looks like a star!" It honored me so greatly. She didn't need to be Amelia to do that, though.
She forced me to overcome a very daunting fear of times tables and learn all my multiplication facts.
Speaking of learning, she had the most creative ways to foster such an activity. One such way was gum books: do the problems within, get a piece of gum!
Can creativity be learned? I don't know, but it can definitely be taught, and she did so for me.
When I think of Mrs. Snively, I think of this crazy, wide-eyed, lady with big classes and bouncy, curly, brown hair waving on top of her head with knobby fingers pointing and dancing in my face, plaid, pleated skirts trailing behind as she hopped from one end of the classroom to the other, telling fantastic tales of umbrellas on buses and teddy bears with friends. I think of kind-hearted sincerity and light-hearted humor, good and wholesome dedication to others and other dedication to all things good and wholesome. I think of fun and life and laughter; wisdom and truth and comfort. And I think of the classmates with me who were graced by her influence and touched by her very obvious care and love, each one of them somewhere in the world, that much better off for the lady who taught us to
stand in straight lines
respect our elders
laugh every moment
do our own work
learn to think better
be quiet in quiet times
be loud when we could
care for each other
make everything fun
read good stories
and love life,
even
Mrs. Snively.
(For the record, she actually popped randomly into my head twice today. I knew a spotlight was imminent)
I can sincerely trace my love for all things eccentric, all humor quirky, all brain exercises effective, all songs unknown, and all love unfeigned back to Mrs. Snively.
Every morning she would sing a song with us. Lollipop Tree, 12 Days of Christmas, America the Beautiful, you name it. She knew it.
She used to spank us on our birthdays! hahah! And in such odd ways, it was so funny.
She is the master of odd voices and character impersonations. And I know it wasn't just my little child mind that was entertained by anything; she really was good.
She had themed days (Sandwich, watermelon, Christmas Around the World, etc) which were all AWESOME!
One day "Amelia Bedelia" came to our class (it was really her dressed up) (We didn't know that) (Or at least pretended not to) and she was pulling some Amelia Bededlia joke about stars and she put her hands on my shoulders and said, "This one looks like a star!" It honored me so greatly. She didn't need to be Amelia to do that, though.
She forced me to overcome a very daunting fear of times tables and learn all my multiplication facts.
Speaking of learning, she had the most creative ways to foster such an activity. One such way was gum books: do the problems within, get a piece of gum!
Can creativity be learned? I don't know, but it can definitely be taught, and she did so for me.
When I think of Mrs. Snively, I think of this crazy, wide-eyed, lady with big classes and bouncy, curly, brown hair waving on top of her head with knobby fingers pointing and dancing in my face, plaid, pleated skirts trailing behind as she hopped from one end of the classroom to the other, telling fantastic tales of umbrellas on buses and teddy bears with friends. I think of kind-hearted sincerity and light-hearted humor, good and wholesome dedication to others and other dedication to all things good and wholesome. I think of fun and life and laughter; wisdom and truth and comfort. And I think of the classmates with me who were graced by her influence and touched by her very obvious care and love, each one of them somewhere in the world, that much better off for the lady who taught us to
stand in straight lines
respect our elders
laugh every moment
do our own work
learn to think better
be quiet in quiet times
be loud when we could
care for each other
make everything fun
read good stories
and love life,
even
Mrs. Snively.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Most Inspiring
The Becars are one of those families from 11th ward that I am destined to be tied to forever because we knew each other since nursery. My favorite Becar (though they are all stellar) is Amy Becar! She has one of the most distinct souls in the world, and is happy about it.
A- Authentic. One of Amy's greatest qualities is she will never ever wear a facade and what you see is what you get and 100% of the time you will like it simply becuase it is so REAL.
M- Musically on top of the world. Amy was the ward organist and played all the time for stake events (can you say daunting!?) with perfection. She also played at least 3 of the 5 days in seminary. I think she even played the flute?
Y- Young at heart. If you want to see submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Father seeth fit to inflict upon her, see Amy Becar. Besides all that childlikeness, she is always ready for fun.
B-Brilliant! Seriously, talk about intelligence. Amy's got it.
E- Eccentric. This spotlight wouldn't be complete without it. I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Amy, including her sense of humor, which is admittedly quite odd, but it is one of those shining components that makes Amy so loveable and Amyish! One time we were talking about having to go to the bathroom on top of Pikes Peak and she mentioned the threat of bystanding marmots? hahahah it was so funny.
C- Christlike. Amy is one of the most humble people I know. She is always subservient and kind, willing to do things for others, and happy to help with a smile. No assignment will go unaccomplished when given to Amy.
A-AWE-INSPIRING. Amy joined the cross country team my junior year and though I was nothing but excited, in the back of my mind I hoped that she would make it ok. Make it ok? Psssh! Amy rocked EVERY practice and EVERY meet, always finishing strong and giving it her all. She completed a half marathon and inspired me to do so (which changed my life, thank you, Amy!) She became something of a mascot for our team because she inspired all of us to just keep going and working hard and giving our best to the very end. She still runs like a maniac and I am inspired to do better every time I think of her.
R-Righteous. In two senses. Yes, she is a faithful member of the church with a strong testimony and firm belief and understanding of the Savior and her relationship with him. And yes, she is laid back and chill like the turtles on Finding Nemo- "Righteous!"
Nothing could be better! Amy's enduring nature nurtures endearing affection I have for her becuase she is one of a kind. If you don't know Amy, go out of your way to do so. She will teach you the most important lessons about giving nothing less than your very best and doing so with a smile and some quirky joke on the side.
A- Authentic. One of Amy's greatest qualities is she will never ever wear a facade and what you see is what you get and 100% of the time you will like it simply becuase it is so REAL.
M- Musically on top of the world. Amy was the ward organist and played all the time for stake events (can you say daunting!?) with perfection. She also played at least 3 of the 5 days in seminary. I think she even played the flute?
Y- Young at heart. If you want to see submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Father seeth fit to inflict upon her, see Amy Becar. Besides all that childlikeness, she is always ready for fun.
B-Brilliant! Seriously, talk about intelligence. Amy's got it.
E- Eccentric. This spotlight wouldn't be complete without it. I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like Amy, including her sense of humor, which is admittedly quite odd, but it is one of those shining components that makes Amy so loveable and Amyish! One time we were talking about having to go to the bathroom on top of Pikes Peak and she mentioned the threat of bystanding marmots? hahahah it was so funny.
C- Christlike. Amy is one of the most humble people I know. She is always subservient and kind, willing to do things for others, and happy to help with a smile. No assignment will go unaccomplished when given to Amy.
A-AWE-INSPIRING. Amy joined the cross country team my junior year and though I was nothing but excited, in the back of my mind I hoped that she would make it ok. Make it ok? Psssh! Amy rocked EVERY practice and EVERY meet, always finishing strong and giving it her all. She completed a half marathon and inspired me to do so (which changed my life, thank you, Amy!) She became something of a mascot for our team because she inspired all of us to just keep going and working hard and giving our best to the very end. She still runs like a maniac and I am inspired to do better every time I think of her.
R-Righteous. In two senses. Yes, she is a faithful member of the church with a strong testimony and firm belief and understanding of the Savior and her relationship with him. And yes, she is laid back and chill like the turtles on Finding Nemo- "Righteous!"
Nothing could be better! Amy's enduring nature nurtures endearing affection I have for her becuase she is one of a kind. If you don't know Amy, go out of your way to do so. She will teach you the most important lessons about giving nothing less than your very best and doing so with a smile and some quirky joke on the side.
Friday, January 14, 2011
It Is Time.
There is a handful of people I am always hesitant to spotlight because a blog post (or little else, for that matter) will ever do them justice. But now I must. Love and admiration has overcome me too much for this person for her to not get some sort of spotlight somewhere becuase she is just so so dear. I'm not holding back, so get over the longness. She deserves it all.
Elise McAllister.
The Basics:
Silky orange hair. Don't forget the natural blond streak in the back.
Pristine skin. Only pimple she's ever gotten was the one she HAD to get becuase all the rest of us had a pimple in the same place and we are too bonded for her to not get one too.
Squinty eyes. Quality eye make-up.
Big smile.
Loud laughter.
Distinct walk.
Things you can find out in a normal conversation:
She loves birds!
She makes practical decisions. You know how I love practical people.
She is wise.
Financially organized.
Family and Consumer Science Major (and though hesitant, proud of it!)
Texas Pride. She wears her texas shirts as religiously as i wear my pikes peak shirts.
Movie Quoter
Loves her family. Oldest of 6 girls, age range of 20 years.
Sensible.
Writing a missionary in Brazil who she dated in high school, but she mostly just has pure appreciation for him.
Dating an Alaskan who is kind and funny. She really likes him.
Things you can find out if you live with her:
She hacks into the sink often.
She loves oatmeal.
Professional maker of FCBs.
Messy and dirty but good at cleaning and working.
Good at making sure everyone does their chores by making charts
Loves bras. When they aren't on her.
Loves Japanese food.
Loves her family.
Good shopper. Lise will be a good mom becuase she shinkes clearance and coupons.
She hahaha doesn't mind being blunt about people's souls. or to their souls. It got us out of many rough situations more than once.
She is a scheduler and a cleaner and an organizer and good at it all.
Things I will now reveal to you that you only find out if you sleep in the bed next to her:
She has a good relationship with her mom.
She works to have an even better relationship with her dad.
Loves her family. Like really. People talk about their families. People love their families. But Lise really does and hers is so dynamic, but from the different Rachel to the young Emily to the still growing Brooklyn to the ditzy Nicole to the talkative Lauren, she tends to each of them lovingly and has nothing but their welfare at the core of her heart. She is the perfect older sister, often reminding me of my own oldest sister who i love so much for the qualities she exhibited that Elis also has.
Sees right through people. hahah I love that about Elise.
Has struggled. and come out the conquereror becuase she is stronger than trials.
Is tricky. hahah. so sly, the little credit-carding,feisting, shinking lil booger.
Pays debts.
Forgives debtors.
Loves sugar and eats it often.
Cares about me. Elise is the first to congratulate me on my successes and always always always listens to my never ending, mostly nonsensical babbling.
Also, she is very good at entertaining my pointless and random questions.
PATIENT! no doubt about it.
Elise has a BOYFRIEND, the coveted, always wanted prize of every girl at BYU, the prize that once a girl gets it, her roommates are so happy for her they are ok with her going off and galavanting with him all the time and that's how it goes and everyone is ok with that, but Elise is so pure, she feels bad for leaving us behind when she goes with her boyfriend! Seriously, that'show pure her show of friendship is.
Up for adventures, and if she's not, she will say she is and then bring laughter the whole way
Doesn't let go of old friendships. I like that about Lise. a lot of people are inclined to just let go of the people they grew up with, but not Lise. She stays in contact with those people, which is cool.
Can't help making fun of people (which is a good pairing for me haha)
Gets frustrated when she can't serve as fully as she would like.
Has a good relationship with Christ.
Cracks every bone in her body every morning and night and lots of times in between.
Sleep talks.
Likes Wendy's. But doesn't mind spending extra to really get some good food.
A good updater of facebook.
Runs! lise runs! She wants to be better, and so she tries hard and I love that.
hahah more than once I have come home to her butt in the air while she is doing yoga in our room. haha.
Feels fat in sweats.
Tells good stories about her childhood. haha.
Has a playlist of probably the same 38 songs which will forever trigger memories of her.
Watches House, Glee, and 24 while folding laundry.
More than I ever expected to be. Lise is a bookcase, and that's why I like her. I am ALWAYS finding little trinkets on her hidden shelves I would have never guessed were there but am always pleasantly surprised to find.
Back to the basic:
I LOVE ELISE MCALLISTER!
Elise McAllister.
The Basics:
Silky orange hair. Don't forget the natural blond streak in the back.
Pristine skin. Only pimple she's ever gotten was the one she HAD to get becuase all the rest of us had a pimple in the same place and we are too bonded for her to not get one too.
Squinty eyes. Quality eye make-up.
Big smile.
Loud laughter.
Distinct walk.
Things you can find out in a normal conversation:
She loves birds!
She makes practical decisions. You know how I love practical people.
She is wise.
Financially organized.
Family and Consumer Science Major (and though hesitant, proud of it!)
Texas Pride. She wears her texas shirts as religiously as i wear my pikes peak shirts.
Movie Quoter
Loves her family. Oldest of 6 girls, age range of 20 years.
Sensible.
Writing a missionary in Brazil who she dated in high school, but she mostly just has pure appreciation for him.
Dating an Alaskan who is kind and funny. She really likes him.
Things you can find out if you live with her:
She hacks into the sink often.
She loves oatmeal.
Professional maker of FCBs.
Messy and dirty but good at cleaning and working.
Good at making sure everyone does their chores by making charts
Loves bras. When they aren't on her.
Loves Japanese food.
Loves her family.
Good shopper. Lise will be a good mom becuase she shinkes clearance and coupons.
She hahaha doesn't mind being blunt about people's souls. or to their souls. It got us out of many rough situations more than once.
She is a scheduler and a cleaner and an organizer and good at it all.
Things I will now reveal to you that you only find out if you sleep in the bed next to her:
She has a good relationship with her mom.
She works to have an even better relationship with her dad.
Loves her family. Like really. People talk about their families. People love their families. But Lise really does and hers is so dynamic, but from the different Rachel to the young Emily to the still growing Brooklyn to the ditzy Nicole to the talkative Lauren, she tends to each of them lovingly and has nothing but their welfare at the core of her heart. She is the perfect older sister, often reminding me of my own oldest sister who i love so much for the qualities she exhibited that Elis also has.
Sees right through people. hahah I love that about Elise.
Has struggled. and come out the conquereror becuase she is stronger than trials.
Is tricky. hahah. so sly, the little credit-carding,feisting, shinking lil booger.
Pays debts.
Forgives debtors.
Loves sugar and eats it often.
Cares about me. Elise is the first to congratulate me on my successes and always always always listens to my never ending, mostly nonsensical babbling.
Also, she is very good at entertaining my pointless and random questions.
PATIENT! no doubt about it.
Elise has a BOYFRIEND, the coveted, always wanted prize of every girl at BYU, the prize that once a girl gets it, her roommates are so happy for her they are ok with her going off and galavanting with him all the time and that's how it goes and everyone is ok with that, but Elise is so pure, she feels bad for leaving us behind when she goes with her boyfriend! Seriously, that'show pure her show of friendship is.
Up for adventures, and if she's not, she will say she is and then bring laughter the whole way
Doesn't let go of old friendships. I like that about Lise. a lot of people are inclined to just let go of the people they grew up with, but not Lise. She stays in contact with those people, which is cool.
Can't help making fun of people (which is a good pairing for me haha)
Gets frustrated when she can't serve as fully as she would like.
Has a good relationship with Christ.
Cracks every bone in her body every morning and night and lots of times in between.
Sleep talks.
Likes Wendy's. But doesn't mind spending extra to really get some good food.
A good updater of facebook.
Runs! lise runs! She wants to be better, and so she tries hard and I love that.
hahah more than once I have come home to her butt in the air while she is doing yoga in our room. haha.
Feels fat in sweats.
Tells good stories about her childhood. haha.
Has a playlist of probably the same 38 songs which will forever trigger memories of her.
Watches House, Glee, and 24 while folding laundry.
More than I ever expected to be. Lise is a bookcase, and that's why I like her. I am ALWAYS finding little trinkets on her hidden shelves I would have never guessed were there but am always pleasantly surprised to find.
Back to the basic:
I LOVE ELISE MCALLISTER!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Mr. Mac!
Pikes Peak Ascent
Running everywhere
Homemade candy canes
Faith
Family values
Brilliance
Button-up shirts
Friendly eyes
Precious wife
Honey bees/wine
Extreme runner
Friendly
Supportive
Tie-Dye
Tolerant of rough authority
Respectful to deserving authority
Patience with slow learners
Flexibility for fast learners
Adventurous
Kind
Hilarious
Realistic/Practical
Stellar teacher
Skinny
Prepared
Understands meaning of respect; gives it and expects it
Fulfilled
Courageous
Good story teller
Marathoner
Ultra Marathoner
Easy going
Cherisher of fondness
Joyous
Ebullient
I must say there are only 2 reasons I really would go back to Doherty after having left: Mr. Gigliotti and Mr. Mac.
I must say there are 2 reasons I am a crazy runner the way I am: Coach Schwartz and Mr. Mac
I must say there are (mostly only) 2 reasons why I am happy to be friends with whoever comes along: Sarah Griggs and Mr. Mac
I must say there is only one reason why I love chemistry and hate all other science, want to keep running the Ascent forever, have confidence that I can be better than I think, and am willing to do something crazy and shake it off if it goes wrong, and that one reason is
MR. MAC!
Running everywhere
Homemade candy canes
Faith
Family values
Brilliance
Button-up shirts
Friendly eyes
Precious wife
Honey bees/wine
Extreme runner
Friendly
Supportive
Tie-Dye
Tolerant of rough authority
Respectful to deserving authority
Patience with slow learners
Flexibility for fast learners
Adventurous
Kind
Hilarious
Realistic/Practical
Stellar teacher
Skinny
Prepared
Understands meaning of respect; gives it and expects it
Fulfilled
Courageous
Good story teller
Marathoner
Ultra Marathoner
Easy going
Cherisher of fondness
Joyous
Ebullient
I must say there are only 2 reasons I really would go back to Doherty after having left: Mr. Gigliotti and Mr. Mac.
I must say there are 2 reasons I am a crazy runner the way I am: Coach Schwartz and Mr. Mac
I must say there are (mostly only) 2 reasons why I am happy to be friends with whoever comes along: Sarah Griggs and Mr. Mac
I must say there is only one reason why I love chemistry and hate all other science, want to keep running the Ascent forever, have confidence that I can be better than I think, and am willing to do something crazy and shake it off if it goes wrong, and that one reason is
MR. MAC!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Deserving
There are a handful of people that fall in a category of people I may just never have known or bonded with so deeply had we not been to many many many years of school together. One of those people is PAIGE CLARKE!
But how lucky I am to have known and bonded so deeply with Paige becuase she is one incredible individual!
She is always
Hard working
Running (FAST!)
Playing (WELL- basketball, track, athletic anything, you name it. She won the athlete award of highest athleticness our 8th grade year)
Trying (take volleyball-she wasn't necessarily a vball player, but she tried out anyway!)
Winning (always!)
Eating (I have such fond memories of Paige in class, taking a bite of goldfish or something then just laughing at something and offering her snack to other people) (speaking of...)
Laughing (such a great laugh. Always a happy person)
Sharing (food, knowledge, humor, intelligence)
Buoying (One of the most motivating teammates I have ever had the pleasure of playing with)
Submitting (In every way. Easily one of the most humble girls ever. We had a class together ((one of the many)) and on the first day we had to fill out a card about ourselves and pass it in so the teacher could get to know us. She passed in hers to me and I just happened to read it or something and she had written that she was probably the happiest person our teacher would ever meet and when she passed it up to me she said, "Besides you, Krista Roy. You are just the happiest ever!" To anyone else, this statement might be true. But not Paige. She seriously was always happy. But the point is, she was so humble, she just submitted a little title like that when really it didn't have to be)
Questioning (Always wanting to learn, always wanting clarification, always curious)
Smiling (and a gorgeous one at that)
Greeting (Never misses a chance to say hello)
Scholarshipping (yep. She was awarded the Boetcher. Couldn't think of a better candidate)
Sympathizing (a human being has never felt so comforted than when spilling their woes to Paige Clarke)
Real-izing (Paige is practical. And you know me. A practical person is the best kind. Paige won't put up with trash)
Enduring (AAA i have such respect for those stellar athletes who just suffer some miserable defeat (becuase the stellar ones are always the ones that get botched) but even through 2 or 3 knee blowouts, crutches, multiple surgeries and pretty much an ended career, Paige was still all of the above)
Which, when combined, I think, makes Paige Clarke
deserving
of all the praise, friendship, blessings, happiness, and ebullience she ever has and i hope always will continue to get!
But how lucky I am to have known and bonded so deeply with Paige becuase she is one incredible individual!
She is always
Hard working
Running (FAST!)
Playing (WELL- basketball, track, athletic anything, you name it. She won the athlete award of highest athleticness our 8th grade year)
Trying (take volleyball-she wasn't necessarily a vball player, but she tried out anyway!)
Winning (always!)
Eating (I have such fond memories of Paige in class, taking a bite of goldfish or something then just laughing at something and offering her snack to other people) (speaking of...)
Laughing (such a great laugh. Always a happy person)
Sharing (food, knowledge, humor, intelligence)
Buoying (One of the most motivating teammates I have ever had the pleasure of playing with)
Submitting (In every way. Easily one of the most humble girls ever. We had a class together ((one of the many)) and on the first day we had to fill out a card about ourselves and pass it in so the teacher could get to know us. She passed in hers to me and I just happened to read it or something and she had written that she was probably the happiest person our teacher would ever meet and when she passed it up to me she said, "Besides you, Krista Roy. You are just the happiest ever!" To anyone else, this statement might be true. But not Paige. She seriously was always happy. But the point is, she was so humble, she just submitted a little title like that when really it didn't have to be)
Questioning (Always wanting to learn, always wanting clarification, always curious)
Smiling (and a gorgeous one at that)
Greeting (Never misses a chance to say hello)
Scholarshipping (yep. She was awarded the Boetcher. Couldn't think of a better candidate)
Sympathizing (a human being has never felt so comforted than when spilling their woes to Paige Clarke)
Real-izing (Paige is practical. And you know me. A practical person is the best kind. Paige won't put up with trash)
Enduring (AAA i have such respect for those stellar athletes who just suffer some miserable defeat (becuase the stellar ones are always the ones that get botched) but even through 2 or 3 knee blowouts, crutches, multiple surgeries and pretty much an ended career, Paige was still all of the above)
Which, when combined, I think, makes Paige Clarke
deserving
of all the praise, friendship, blessings, happiness, and ebullience she ever has and i hope always will continue to get!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Serve till you Die
Raking leaves makes me think of two things:
Service
and
Coralee Peele.
It's funny how those two things go so perfectly hand in hand.
I raked leaves and did various yard work for Sis. Peele for YEARS. One time I even painted her mailbox with Taryn Smith (with such a team, you better believe we messed up and did it wrong) but doing such a service provided a wonderful bonding experience for us. Sis. Peele really taught us the true meaning of service.
One time Sis. Peele sold me her car for WAY cheap because she is kind.
My mom served Coralee for all the years of my life pretty much. Their interactions with one another and the friendship they developed really taught me a lot about service and how it requires and produces charity for everyone involved.
Yesterday, Coralee died.
I do feel like it's a good thing when people die, leaving the world all that much better for having been there.
And I do feel like I was able to benefit very much from the lessons of service, charity, love, and endurance Sis. Peele taught me.
Especially since I was able to learn it because of raking leaves!
Service
and
Coralee Peele.
It's funny how those two things go so perfectly hand in hand.
I raked leaves and did various yard work for Sis. Peele for YEARS. One time I even painted her mailbox with Taryn Smith (with such a team, you better believe we messed up and did it wrong) but doing such a service provided a wonderful bonding experience for us. Sis. Peele really taught us the true meaning of service.
One time Sis. Peele sold me her car for WAY cheap because she is kind.
My mom served Coralee for all the years of my life pretty much. Their interactions with one another and the friendship they developed really taught me a lot about service and how it requires and produces charity for everyone involved.
Yesterday, Coralee died.
I do feel like it's a good thing when people die, leaving the world all that much better for having been there.
And I do feel like I was able to benefit very much from the lessons of service, charity, love, and endurance Sis. Peele taught me.
Especially since I was able to learn it because of raking leaves!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Li-Mae, Li-Mae
You have to know with a name like Li-Mae, that soul has got to have some goodness.
I met Li-Mae at the first summer run practice of my junior year. She was a new freshman and a new runner and I felt it my personal duty to befriend her and show her the good of life. I had no idea she would fulfill that role more for me than I would ever hope to do for her!
Her list of accomplishments impressed me from that first moment, and I only discovered more as I went on.
Honors classes, multiple sports, quick wit, quirky sense of humor, submissive nature, willingness to try, valuable work ethic, fear to overcome challenges, confidence to be weird, friendly demeanor, precious shyness, eventual discovery of excellent leadership (the good kind that comes naturally just by being a good example), long black hair, rounded nose, big brown eyes, similar appearance to the girl Mowgli follows into the vilage, etc., etc.
Also
I used to braid Li-Mae's hair every meet. That was true bonding. She knows how to make a soul feel good--i knew the braids didn't really make her go any faster, but the way she talked them up, I almost felt like I had made a veritable contribution to her success. Some of the other heads I braided didn't even have a thankful cell within them, let alone such complimentary ones as were in Li-Mae's.
I was in a play with Li-Mae once. She and I shared a bonding moment of anticipatory stage fright opening night. She, of course, shined the entire time perfectly playing a role as a little grandma. She was born for the stage.
Li-Mae has a conviction of faith that few others have. I don't know if she belongs to any organized religion, but her life follows patterns very similar to the way Christ patterned his.
Some people have a hard time making friends because they haven't figured themselves out. But that is the best part of Li-Mae. She knows who she is and she wants to help other people feel as happy as she does about who they are--even if that person thinks they could do it for her.
I've never been so happy to be proven wrong!
I met Li-Mae at the first summer run practice of my junior year. She was a new freshman and a new runner and I felt it my personal duty to befriend her and show her the good of life. I had no idea she would fulfill that role more for me than I would ever hope to do for her!
Her list of accomplishments impressed me from that first moment, and I only discovered more as I went on.
Honors classes, multiple sports, quick wit, quirky sense of humor, submissive nature, willingness to try, valuable work ethic, fear to overcome challenges, confidence to be weird, friendly demeanor, precious shyness, eventual discovery of excellent leadership (the good kind that comes naturally just by being a good example), long black hair, rounded nose, big brown eyes, similar appearance to the girl Mowgli follows into the vilage, etc., etc.
Also
I used to braid Li-Mae's hair every meet. That was true bonding. She knows how to make a soul feel good--i knew the braids didn't really make her go any faster, but the way she talked them up, I almost felt like I had made a veritable contribution to her success. Some of the other heads I braided didn't even have a thankful cell within them, let alone such complimentary ones as were in Li-Mae's.
I was in a play with Li-Mae once. She and I shared a bonding moment of anticipatory stage fright opening night. She, of course, shined the entire time perfectly playing a role as a little grandma. She was born for the stage.
Li-Mae has a conviction of faith that few others have. I don't know if she belongs to any organized religion, but her life follows patterns very similar to the way Christ patterned his.
Some people have a hard time making friends because they haven't figured themselves out. But that is the best part of Li-Mae. She knows who she is and she wants to help other people feel as happy as she does about who they are--even if that person thinks they could do it for her.
I've never been so happy to be proven wrong!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Glenl Again
Last time I posted on this blog, I highlighted a soul I would like to highlight again because it turns out I did not even know the full extent of his glory at that time!
Yes, he did get me the most wonderful job in the world, which was the original motivation for spotlightation, but little did I know all that lay behind the then unknown character of Glenl Wear.
He is
a tender man. He always makes sure that everyone respects me and refers to me as a "young woman" or "young lady" and not just a "girl." Doesn't seem like too big of a deal, and I would not even think of it if it didn't happen, but since it does, I notice.
a hard worker. Glenl has been working for Grounds for YEARS and is prompt and complete with his assignments. I've seen pictures of him when he was a crew member and he just worked hard.
a submissive employee. He is quick to respond to his boss's call, but does so in a way that shows he is confident and demands respect. All the while, he is willing to submit to whatever anyone asks of him. He even holds down the office for little old me while I do the mail run, which could really go without being done, but I like to get outside for a minute and he gives me that opportunity.
a knowledgeable landscaper. Seriously, this guy knows his stuff.
an easy-going guy. He is always ready for a conversation and willing to listen and tell a story. There are few who can fill either role well, but he definitely excels in both, and with good balance.
a complimentary gentleman. I don't think I've ever had so many names of endearment by just existing. I would not really think first to call someone like me "beautiful" or "little lady" or "my girl," but Glenl does it in such a fatherly way, i feel endeared. And speaking of fathers...
a patient father. He has children everywhere from golden righteous and successful to eccentric to wayward, but the love he has for them is clearly evident in the stories he tells and the way he interacts with them. He is just patient, in the eternal and temporal sense. Ben is taking a little longer to come pick him up at the office, and he is happy to just sit and chat. Jarrett struggled for awhile, but his love never faltered.
a caring husband. His wife Merilee had cancer at one point, but I've known few husbands to speak so tenderly of their wife, and I know he offered her the greatest amount of care and love and continues to do so even though the worst of it is over.
a dear friend. He has a pure friendly relationship with many of the people with whom he works and the students on his crew are always excited and happy to associate with him.
a charitable soul. "Krista, (young lady) be sure to come to the football game and go to the Grounds office. Here is a hand drawn map. Call me if you get lost. We'll feed you dinner. We'll give you hot chocolate. Here are ponchos for you and your roommates. Bring them too."
a righteous saint. Glenl was my bishopbric guy and he has a strong testimony of the gospel, but the best part about Glenl's testimony is you would not even have to be in his ward or hear him speak to know he knows it. Because that's how he lives.
a soul. On definitely worth spotlighting. Twice.
Yes, he did get me the most wonderful job in the world, which was the original motivation for spotlightation, but little did I know all that lay behind the then unknown character of Glenl Wear.
He is
a tender man. He always makes sure that everyone respects me and refers to me as a "young woman" or "young lady" and not just a "girl." Doesn't seem like too big of a deal, and I would not even think of it if it didn't happen, but since it does, I notice.
a hard worker. Glenl has been working for Grounds for YEARS and is prompt and complete with his assignments. I've seen pictures of him when he was a crew member and he just worked hard.
a submissive employee. He is quick to respond to his boss's call, but does so in a way that shows he is confident and demands respect. All the while, he is willing to submit to whatever anyone asks of him. He even holds down the office for little old me while I do the mail run, which could really go without being done, but I like to get outside for a minute and he gives me that opportunity.
a knowledgeable landscaper. Seriously, this guy knows his stuff.
an easy-going guy. He is always ready for a conversation and willing to listen and tell a story. There are few who can fill either role well, but he definitely excels in both, and with good balance.
a complimentary gentleman. I don't think I've ever had so many names of endearment by just existing. I would not really think first to call someone like me "beautiful" or "little lady" or "my girl," but Glenl does it in such a fatherly way, i feel endeared. And speaking of fathers...
a patient father. He has children everywhere from golden righteous and successful to eccentric to wayward, but the love he has for them is clearly evident in the stories he tells and the way he interacts with them. He is just patient, in the eternal and temporal sense. Ben is taking a little longer to come pick him up at the office, and he is happy to just sit and chat. Jarrett struggled for awhile, but his love never faltered.
a caring husband. His wife Merilee had cancer at one point, but I've known few husbands to speak so tenderly of their wife, and I know he offered her the greatest amount of care and love and continues to do so even though the worst of it is over.
a dear friend. He has a pure friendly relationship with many of the people with whom he works and the students on his crew are always excited and happy to associate with him.
a charitable soul. "Krista, (young lady) be sure to come to the football game and go to the Grounds office. Here is a hand drawn map. Call me if you get lost. We'll feed you dinner. We'll give you hot chocolate. Here are ponchos for you and your roommates. Bring them too."
a righteous saint. Glenl was my bishopbric guy and he has a strong testimony of the gospel, but the best part about Glenl's testimony is you would not even have to be in his ward or hear him speak to know he knows it. Because that's how he lives.
a soul. On definitely worth spotlighting. Twice.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Glenl
All I can say is that sometimes, some people need spotlighting just because they do something for me that I didn't really deserve on any account.
Bro. Wear, my former bishopbric member and newly adopted employer person, is one of those people.
He is funny, kind, blunt, HUMBLE, tender, serviceable, a lover of the outdoors, and a lover of the gospel.
Also, his name is Glenl. Which.. I'm not sure where that came from, but to me that adds to his goodness.
Also, if I were balding, I would want to bald like him. He balds very well.
He is just GREAT! I loved having him as my bishopbric member because he brought a lot of good laughs and taught a lot of good lessons.
So all I can say is, if you want friendship to just fall upon your head when you don't really deserve such goodness, approach the near vicinity of Glenl Wear, and you will find providence smiling upon you.
Bro. Wear, my former bishopbric member and newly adopted employer person, is one of those people.
He is funny, kind, blunt, HUMBLE, tender, serviceable, a lover of the outdoors, and a lover of the gospel.
Also, his name is Glenl. Which.. I'm not sure where that came from, but to me that adds to his goodness.
Also, if I were balding, I would want to bald like him. He balds very well.
He is just GREAT! I loved having him as my bishopbric member because he brought a lot of good laughs and taught a lot of good lessons.
So all I can say is, if you want friendship to just fall upon your head when you don't really deserve such goodness, approach the near vicinity of Glenl Wear, and you will find providence smiling upon you.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Mrs. Morrow!
The reason I love learning so much now and the reason I know what my passions are can pretty much be traced back through trails of good teachers here and there primarily all the way to Mrs. Morrow.
I pretty much had her as my teacher for 6 years because my Char, Bum, and I all had her for two years each. It was the best!
Math Quest, Chocolate Chip Cookie Fridays, Mideavil festival, life-size chess, good advice, one-on-one writing consultation sessions, a pure smile, a good hearty laugh, love for cardinals, owner of schnauzers, mother to two, lover of sun chips, reader of books, adorer of chocolate, lover of plants, insitituter of traditions, otherrandomthingsthatremindmeofherare Vivaldi, thumbtacks, science kits, stumps, tuna fish, window companies, painted maps of the United States, cockroaches/shoebags, swooping hair, limericks, cursive, Newton, fish, beeswax candles, also, passionate teaching, friendly, sincere, kind, talented, funny, and wonderful!
Every Friday before we would leave for school she would say, "What's your homework!?" and we would squeal in joyous unison, "Read and eat chocolate!"
Ever day before we came into the building to start school she would line us up and give us each a hug!
She is the teacher who pulled us through the early and tragic death of one of our classmates.
She is also the teacher who informed us of and comforted us on September 11, 2001.
She is the teacher who taught us to learn to love and to help each other.
She is the teacher who saw me meet, befriend, bond, and cement some of my best friendships in life.
She is the teacher who taught me that I can teach! I don't think I knew that before she showed me it was so.
She was the teacher who rightfully defined what I had no idea was a love for writing poetry.
She is the teacher who gave us chocolate chip cookies every Friday, helped us grow plants every year, let us sit next to our friends, talked with us at recess, laughed at our elementary jokes, supported us in our every endeavor and
she is the teacher
who is more
than just
a teacher,
but a friend :)
I pretty much had her as my teacher for 6 years because my Char, Bum, and I all had her for two years each. It was the best!
Math Quest, Chocolate Chip Cookie Fridays, Mideavil festival, life-size chess, good advice, one-on-one writing consultation sessions, a pure smile, a good hearty laugh, love for cardinals, owner of schnauzers, mother to two, lover of sun chips, reader of books, adorer of chocolate, lover of plants, insitituter of traditions, otherrandomthingsthatremindmeofherare Vivaldi, thumbtacks, science kits, stumps, tuna fish, window companies, painted maps of the United States, cockroaches/shoebags, swooping hair, limericks, cursive, Newton, fish, beeswax candles, also, passionate teaching, friendly, sincere, kind, talented, funny, and wonderful!
Every Friday before we would leave for school she would say, "What's your homework!?" and we would squeal in joyous unison, "Read and eat chocolate!"
Ever day before we came into the building to start school she would line us up and give us each a hug!
She is the teacher who pulled us through the early and tragic death of one of our classmates.
She is also the teacher who informed us of and comforted us on September 11, 2001.
She is the teacher who taught us to learn to love and to help each other.
She is the teacher who saw me meet, befriend, bond, and cement some of my best friendships in life.
She is the teacher who taught me that I can teach! I don't think I knew that before she showed me it was so.
She was the teacher who rightfully defined what I had no idea was a love for writing poetry.
She is the teacher who gave us chocolate chip cookies every Friday, helped us grow plants every year, let us sit next to our friends, talked with us at recess, laughed at our elementary jokes, supported us in our every endeavor and
she is the teacher
who is more
than just
a teacher,
but a friend :)
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