It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon...just a few days earlier, Rick had received an offer for a promotion at work, which involved a transfer to Arizona. We had accepted. Now, I found myself sitting in Relief Society next to Connie. It would be (unbeknownst to any of us) my last time attending church in that ward. Ever. I was serving in the RS at the time. The YW were conducting Opening Exercises, which was good for me because no way was I gonna be able to sit up in front of that room full of women and not bawl my eyes out! The word that we were moving had not gotten around quite yet…Opening Exercises went well, until the girls practiced a song they would be singing at upcoming Girl’s Camp. My daughter was a soloist. Despite the personal turmoil that she was going through, she sang beautifully. But, the words to the song pierced my heart and the tears flowed.
When We Meet Again
Jenny Phillips/Tyler Castleton
My feet are tired and worn
My spirit fades
Many fall by the way
Keep my feet this day
Walk one more mile or so
Stay close to me
My faith will be my fate
My destiny
I will rise and prove my faith
May my heart be one with Yours
So You will one day
Call me friend
When we meet again
Though trials may mark my path
And storms prevail
I know Your guiding love
Will never fail
If I endure it well
If I remain
True to the promises
And faithful to His name
Afterward, the Relief Society Presidency gathered for a few pictures.
Here we are!
Connie, Darla, Valerie, EmmaFast Forward! October, 2009...
I once again find myself living in Utah…an unexpected, but welcome change of events! (Another transfer for Rick, back to the SLC office).
A lot has happened to all of us over the past 4 years. Some joys, some sorrows…Life is like that. I feel so blessed and fortunate to have good friends who have loved, supported, encouraged, laughed and cried with me. And I hope that in some measure, I have returned in kind to them…
There was an email, then a phone call, an invitation to join. Thanks to thoughtful, wonderful friends who gave me a little nudge!
Here we are!
Emma, Connie, Valerie, Darla, LynetteWe met for breakfast on Halloween. We dressed up in costume (in case it wasn't obvious...and please ignore my hair! Despite what my stylist says, side-swept bangs do not work for me!)
It was fun and wonderful and all good things rolled in to one! And it felt like I’d never been gone! And how wonderful it feels to be back home!
I will rise and prove my faith
May my heart be one with Yours
So You will one day
Call me friend
When we meet again
Love you guys!
How fun that you could all get together again! Wonderful friends are such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, the song is very touching. I'd love to hear it. And how fun that a few years later you can just pick up where you left off with such good friends.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Sandra
Oh, Valerie! How touching. I love that song and I remember that day well. I love you too! It was fun to get together and catch up and yet it felt like we were never apart. We could pick up right where we left off!
ReplyDeleteWe need to do it again!
That's neat that you all stay close as friends. I know all of these women and I must say, what an amazing group!! However, there is a slight difference in Connie's looks from the first picture to the second. :) (I can say that because I'm her daughter, right?) :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! Aren't friends great?
ReplyDelete