Words to Remember

When I was a teacher at Davis High, I worked with and became friends with Alicia Walters, who was also a fellow English teacher.  She has been such a good friend in staying in touch with me since we both quit and since she moved to Washington.  She's a faithful blogger and has been so good about following my blogs.  So last December when I wrote on my "Allen" blog about being engaged to Eric, these were some of her comments.  I want to post them because I was so touched by her support and I don't want to forget her words.  I also thought they'd best be posted on this blog since it's themed so much around the "Klein/Allen" blending of families:

"There are two quotes that come to mind when I read this amazing post, which I am so happy you wrote and expressed yourself. First off, OF COURSE you have the support of those who truly love you. "Never explain. Your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyway." Second, "Love is multiplied. Not divided." No doubt your love for Michael is not in the least compromised by your love for Eric.
Go forward with all the love in your heart for Michael and all the love in your heart for Eric. There is room in the heart for both. I just had to go back and read all of this all over again. I'm really so happy for you. Forward. Forward. Forward. Michael is always with you, as you move forward. I just loved what the sealer said at Ryan and Brooke's wedding how the best way to live your covenants is in a family relationship. It's wonderful that you and Eric can come together as a team to love, help and support each other...That is what it's all about. I'm certain Michael has given you his blessing. Because being your best friend, you never have to explain to Michael. In fact, I bet he was instrumental as your guardian angel to orchestrate your meeting Eric. That is how it works. At least that is my belief. And I would suggest that Eric's wife also would want him to meet you....She would be so thrilled to have you take good care of her girls. Treat them as your own. Jump in with both feet. "Life is to be enjoyed. Not just endured." --President Hinckley. There will always be grief in your heart. I wish I could take that away. But there is also room for so much joy and wonderful experiences. You have a wonderful time in this big transition. Take deep breaths. Think positive. Have patience. You'll still have a newlywed phase of sorting through all the "living with each other" stuff. But time is your best friend. I love you. I hope I haven't written too much, or something I shouldn't have. I really do mean to be sensitive about it, but you know me, I'm a talker. Just know I love you and I'm so happy for you."

I think her words struck me so much because she hit it right on the head in saying to "jump in with both feet...enjoy it...take deep breaths...have patience." Those words may seem simple but are words that I have to live by these days. Being reminded that "time is my best friend" and being reminded of those sayings she quoted was exactly what I needed to hear--that "Love is multiplied, not divided," and that you don't need to explain yourself because "your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe you anyway." So so good to be reminded of the significance of all these family relationships....That each has a role and that somehow there's room for all. Thanks Alicia!