M,
Since you're getting married in a week(ish), I thought I'd say a few words. This ol' blog of ours has been neglected lately - what, with wedding planning, new jobs, your engagement, other blogs, moving (both of us), painting and all the driving we both do - it's a wonder we have time to be friends anymore. However, even though we seldom get the chance to talk like we used to, I just wanted you to know that
my love for you remains the same.
I am so grateful for your friendship and the influence you've had in my life. I know that as the years go by and as we both move, settle down with children and grow old, we won't be able to see each other as often as we have in the past. It's been a great ride with you through the last few years as your friend. I've written you poems (like this one):
O Emmmm, my little M.
How you sleep in your bed
So softly
So quietly
So . . . boringly.
Goodnight my little M.
Sleep tight, my little M.
Dream of soy milk and Kashi.
Dream of stone ground whole wheat bread.
Dream of "the mini" . . .
But please, don't dream of tomatoes
And don't forget to wake up at 7:00.
We've had long talks at the park and pictures with Max the Ceramic Dog, dates to Joe's and the DI, trips to Idaho Falls, late night giggling fits along with insightful conversations. We've shared clothing, recipes, music, books and our talents with each other and I've learned so much from you. You've always been my strongest support and I don't know what my experience in this life would have been like if you hadn't been there right along beside me. You saw me through some of my toughest moments with your wisdom and quiet encouragement, never judging me or my stupid mistakes.
Now, as you marry a man that I've never met, I can't help but feel a little "jipped". I missed out on your entire wedding planning process, your bridal shower, your endowment day and so many other moments leading up to June 28th. However, as I sit here feeling sad that I didn't get to be a part of all these events, I realize that you didn't get to be there for mine. Yet there you came, on November 3, with your helping hands, cheerful smile and supportive character. I hope I can do the same for you.
I know you'll receive all kinds of advice for your wedding - I know I did. As I listened to the words that people had to say, I thought of their own marriages and how that advice came from their experience. While their knowledge and wisdom was appreciated, I realize now that a lot of that advice was specific to their situation, their personalities and their traits. I've thought a lot about your personality and your traits. Some of the best advice that I've received were things that I could apply into my marriage because I knew of my own weaknesses. I know that I'm sensitive, sometimes impatient and often moody. I think the best advice I can give you is to be mindful of the influence your attitude/mood has on your relationship with Steve and to always put his feelings before your own. I know that you'll be his constant support like you have been to me. That's just who you are. I hope you'll cultivate that talent as a wife, because Steve will appreciate that trait in you so much as you support him in his career and in his callings in life. I also know that you'll be his greatest cheerleader, always encouraging him and bringing out the best in him - that's also just who you are. You'll be patient and fun-loving, organized and efficient, kind and compassionate to him. Those are all traits that you have and traits that I admire in you. I love you Mitch, and I hope that our friendship never fizzles out as so many of my friendships have in the past. Your friendship has been the strongest and best in my life and I hope you'll never forget that.
Your Friend Forever and Ever,
E
Remember this little visit I made to AZ?
