Archive: A Tribute (updated)

Insomnia reared its head tonight, and rather than let my thoughts spiral, I came to my computer to write.

When my husband told me about the trip to Utah last weekend, I only agreed to accompany him if I could see someone I missed. Last weekend, while we were down in Utah, we made time to see one of my youth leaders from NY.

Back in 2017, we spent the October general conference weekend with her and her family. At that time, I wrote the following:

Background: I came back to church when I was 14 years old. I started out in a small branch close to home. Circumstances changed, so I began attending a branch much further away. It is and always will be my home ward.

While attending this branch, I had 3 extremely kind, caring, and accepting Young Women leaders who shaped the woman I am today.

I spent the General Conference weekend with one of them, and I have been profoundly affected by the whole thing. I need to publicly say thank you to her.

• Thank you for opening your home this weekend. Being in your presence was a much-needed balm to my heart; that has only now started to heal after the events of the last 4 years. It was a taste of home… to be mentored and watched over by you again. I needed that.
• Thank you for ensuring that I got to pursue a college education all those years ago. It has led to quite the adventure and, in part, my return to the same institution. 
• Thank you for showing me how to sing and love music. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t hear your voice when I sing. 
• Thank you for sharing your love of the gospel with me and helping me to find my testimony.
• Thank you for sharing your life, including the struggles, and being an example that I can look to when I find myself in similar situations. 
• Thank you for your kindness and gentle heart, which is supported by a strength that can move mountains. 
• Thank you for loving me. Seriously! I am very lucky to have you in my corner. 

This morning, I want to add to this list:

• Thank you for always answering when I reach out.
• Thank you for nourishing my soul with your talents. (I always eat a really good meal in your house)
• Thank you for being the example of stepping away from something that does not bring you joy.
• Thank you for showing me what it means to show up for your children and your community.