A year and a half ago, I received a phone call from a complete stranger. The person on the other end of the line said something similar to this:
"Hi, we've never met before, but I heard that you are new in town and I go to your church. I just wanted to know if you need anything. I've been in this area for quite some time and know my way around. Do you need to go anywhere? I'd be glad to take you, or just help you find what you need?"
I was shocked for two reasons: one, no stranger had ever gone out of their way to call me to see if I needed help; and two, I needed help!
How did she know that Ryan and I had driven all over the area looking for the dang Home Depot that Mapquest said would be there, but it wasn't? And how did she know that I was scared to venture out and look for it again, since the only car available at the time was a stick-shift and I had never learned to drive one and I was terrified of driving it in this mixing bowl of freeways and roads? I found out later that she called as part of her job at church (she was on the "new member committee"). But the phone call still meant so much to me.
"Yes, I really do need your help. My little nursery (I was 8 1/2 months prego at the time) is currently a shade of concentration camp gray and I need to paint it. And I can't find Home Depot!" I said to her.
Later that week, the stranger came to pick me up and take me to the darn store that I had driven past probably 10 times. And that's how I met Shane, one of the coolest gals and greatest friends ever.
From throwing me an impromptu birthday party on the ellipse to taking me to the big scary car auction, Shane has been like a big sister to me out here. We love her and her fabulous daughter Emma, the smartest and spunkiest little 2-year-old.
That's why we were devastated by the news that they are moving to ARIZONA! Husband Jason will be working at Arizona State University (congrats Jason), and while we are so happy that they will be close to Shane's family in Tempe, we are going to miss them so much!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Farewell to a first friend
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8 comments:
I loved this post! She sounds like a wonderful friend.... give her my name, I'll show her around in Arizona! :) Sounds like Jaxon and her little cutie would be good friends!
That is what is great about the church. There is a church calling to help you where ever you look. Sorry about her moving. It's a big let down when your friends move on.
i totally deserve this post. thank you, meggers, for recognizing awesomeness! :)
(oh, by the way, i didn't have that calling when i called you. i just saw you stand up ninety months pregnant in RS and say you needed pediatrician and i yelled in my head, "she needs me!" so i called 30 people trying to figure out your name and phone number, finally got it, and found you. and it was the most fortuitous trip to home depot i have ever experienced. :))
love you, megan. see you in cache valley in july!
This post made me happy. What a great friend! I'm sorry she is moving, but seriously, that is so cool how you met!
thanks for the validation ryan. i'm glad i can entertain you, although i would love it if you would write one about your wacky office and other thoughts that jump into your head. I think you'd be a hit, another Dave Barry, no joke.
Ditto to Mckenzie's post
friendships like this last....and last.....and last. even if you haven't seen her in ten years you'll most likely talk up a storm like no time had gone by at all! it's amazing the people you meet.
So i feel totally guilty for not doing a post like this! a very worthy tribute!
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