Footprints

I am sure we have all heard the well-loved quote:

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile, leaving footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same."

My extension to this quote:

And then there are those who come into our lives for a short while

and still leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same.

A year and a half ago, our little family of three was expanded by four when Matt, Jenna, Gracie, and Easton Johnson moved across the street. Little did we know that these neighbors would become our closest, dearest friends in such a short amount of time. From vacationing to Lake Powell, to Oakley Rodeos and horseback riding, to both eating out and eating in (dinners at each other's homes), to sharing custody of each others' kids :-), to sharing the Church pew in Sacrament meeting while our kids devour each others' snacks, to shopping trips with my "partner in crime", we have become lifetime friends and the memories just go on and on.

Thanks to them, our Charly has grown up with siblings and we have been forever blessed by their friendship and examples in our lives. They are the first in Charly's prayers for whom she is "thankful for" and not a day goes by that they do not see each other at one point of the day.

In two days they will be moving to Idaho where Matt will begin a new job with Hospice, a wonderful opportunity for their family and their future. Jenna's family also lives there, so they will be close to "home".

Gracie is my little princess. We have Princess Sparkle parties, we play sick (she plays dead, but me being the optimist tries to shift the game to playing "sick" instead! Ha!), we twirl in our dresses, we "order" pizzas with extra princess sprinkles, we dress up in sparkly headbands, and we play and play outside no matter the weather! Last week her brother asked her to open a bag of fruit snacks for her with which she fervently replied, "I can't, I am going on a mission!"...and with that, she started valiantly marching up my stairs with a bouncy ball in one hand and a princess phone in the other once again exclaiming, "Goodbye! I am going on my mission!" So small, and yet so determined! How I will my miss my Gracie!

Easton is my little man. He is ALL boy from head to toe, although he does enjoy a little nail polish and eye liner every now and then (or guy-liner, I should say!). His favorite phrases are "Booh-Yeah!", "Bow, chicka, Bow-wow!", "Boom, shaka-laka-shaka, Boom!" among many others! I will miss his hugs and kisses the most! My heart breaks every time I think of Charly going up to their door to play and I will have to tell her they are not there anymore. I will miss both my Gracie and Easton yelling and waving from their front window and then the few times they made it over to our house and up the stairs without Matt and Jenna knowing. Those little weasels!

Catching some serious air in Charly's crib!

I love the saying, "A true friend is the one who is already there doing it when everyone else is saying, "Is there anything I can do?" This is Jenna to a T! I am not used to being the recipient of service, and was therefore completely humbled and overcome with speechless gratitude by her frequent and spontaneous "doorstep service" which might have included taking Charly for an afternoon, dropping off a meal without even asking, just coming over to talk or bring the kids over for a hug, and the list goes on and on. She is the perfect definition of a "true friend".

Jordan was out of town one night when I heard a knock at the door

(Jenna's knock is very distinct) and this is what she brought me.

Matt, how can I ever thank you enough for introducing me to "the blue dart" while on the house boat in Lake Powell. That is a moment and an image I shall never forget. You have been such an amazing example to us! There is never a dull moment when we are together with you and Jenna!!

Matt and Jenna, we will be forever blessed to have had touched shoulders with you!

We Miss You Already!

Touching Shoulders

There’s a comforting thought at the close of the day,
That’s weary and lonely and sad.
That sort of grips hold of my crusty old heart
And bids it be merry and glad.
It gets in my soul and drives out the blues.
And finally thrills through and through.
It is just a sweet memory that chants the refrain:
“I’m glad I touch shoulders with you!”
***
Did you know you were brave, did you know you were strong?
Did you know there was one leaning hard?
Did you know that I waited and listened and prayed,
And was cheered by your simplest word?
Did you know that I longed for that smile on your face,
For the sound of your voice ringing true?
Did you know I grew stronger and better because
I had merely touched shoulders with you?
***
I am glad that I live, that I battle and strive
For the place that I know I must fill;
I’m thankful for sorrows, I’ll meet with a grin
What fortune may send, good or ill.
I may not have wealth, I may not be great,
But I know I shall always be true,
For I have in my life that courage you gave
When once I touched shoulders with you.