for good

^^ "Helping" Eric frost the cupcakes ;) ^^

I'm not sure where to begin with this post... There's so much in my heart I want to convey, and yet I find myself unsure of how to begin.

Since moving to Baltimore, one of the biggest blessings we've been given as a family would undoubtably be the friendship with these two wonderful people, Eric and Kristelle. They've taught us so much about life, marriage, parenting, service and love. We've laughed together and we've cried together. We've played games, celebrated holidays, shared some of the best meals and created memories I'll never forget.  

Madeline has been spoiled (like every child should be ;) ) during the past two years. She has these two wrapped around her finger, and all three of them seem to be pretty okay with it that way. iPhones,  iPads, cupcakes, books, snacks, movies, exploring/emptying Kristelle's purse over and over and over again.... always willing to play with her, they are saints, I tell you. It's fitting that from time to time she lovingly refers to them as "mommy" and "daddy". 

It brings a lot of peace of mind knowing that there are still people in this world like the Larsens. People who will watch your daughter when you go to the hospital to have a baby. Who are willing to wrestle your toddler through Sacrament meeting week after week (I'm going to have a meltdown the week we get back from vacation and they aren't here - count on it). They make the world a better place to live, and I'm so grateful to be able to say I know them.

I never knew what friendship could be and how much it could mean until I met Kristelle. We kind of got to know each other backwards, in that we were in a situation which forced us to get to know each other on a deeper level first, and then we learned the more trivial things from each others' lives later. And while I realize not every friendship works like that, I'm grateful that ours did. It's a beautiful thing to be able to share some of the deepest feelings, dreams and heartaches of your soul and have them received with open arms and no judgement, yet know she's willing to tell it to me straight when I need to hear it. It's great to have a friend who'll tell you there's something in your teeth or let you know there's a little hole on the back of your shirt. We've each got a shoulder for the other to cry on and it feels good to know it's available when needed. In so many ways we are completely different. Different style, opposite music tastes, different interests and talents. And yet, I don't think anybody beyond a few family members understands me better. Especially if it has anything to do with hormones ;) I am in awe at the way she has turned potentially faith shattering trials into opportunities for growth, and  chances to love others. She is one of the strongest people I know and I am better for knowing her. 

It's hard to see this phase of our lives come to and end, but I am so grateful for the time we've had together. We're going to miss them, but how lucky are we to have the technology we do today?! 

I know it's cheesy and a little over the top dramatic, but in true Sarah fashion, all I can think about is the song, "For Good" from the Broadway musical Wicked.  I think everything in life can be made better by great music ;) And what better song than one sung by two friends (a blonde and a brunette ;) ) 

...I've heard it said, 

That people come into our lives

For a reason

Bringing something we must learn.

And we are lead to those

Who help us most to grow if we let them.

And we help them in return.

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you.

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes the sun.

Like a stream that meets a boulder, 

halfway through the wood.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better

But because I knew you,

I have been changed for good.

It well may be

That we may never meet again

In this lifetime.

So let me say before we part 

So much of me is made of what I learned from you.

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart.

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you'll have rewritten mine

By being my friend.

Like a ship blown from it's mooring

By a wind off the sea.

Like a seed dropped by a sky bird 

In a distant wood.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better

But because I knew you

Because I knew you.

I have been changed for good...

...I do believe I have been changed for the better

Because I knew you

I have been changed for good.

I really, truly have been changed for good. And I look forward to the day we get to meet again. 

Kenosha's got great things coming it's way.