Thursday, April 15, 2010

So Long Old Friend

Today, I sadly bid farewell to an old friend.  They have weathered the funeral of my grandparents, cousin, favorite uncle, nephew, dear friends and my beloved son-in-law.  They've traveled to foreign countries, danced aboard a ship, tapped out rhythms at concerts, musicals and ballets.  They've walked long lonely steps when I felt utterly alone and jumped up and down with me in joy.  They've watched every one of my grandchildren be blessed, Megan be baptized, Ben be ordained as a deacon, Duane be ordained an elder and Pete be ordained a High Priest.  They've walked inside of countless temples, walked me inside of the Dallas Temple when Becky and Duane were sealed, walked me into the OKC Temple when Megan and Ben were married, and rested on my feet as I knelt in prayer.  I've worn them to weddings, practically every Sunday and dress occasion for the last 23 years.  Yes, 23 years.  The heels were chewed up by Becky's puppy she bought when she was 14 years old -- and yes, I still wore them.  I bid you farewell, you now rest comfortably in the trash (the girls threatened to bury you with me.) you've been replaced but will never, ever be forgotten.  I truly loved you.