Goodbyes

I wanted to include so many texts and e-mails from others that texted to say bye and share their love. 

 

Dear Madison, 

Confession - I'm in full denial that you and your family have moved to CT. There have been so many changes and surprises this year that I can't hold all of them. The idea of not being in the arena with the Ellingsons is heartbreaking. And yet, I know that even if we don't see each other on the regular, knowing that you are in the world doing you makes all of this uncertainty feel manageable. and less lonely. 

I'm a great admirer of yours. I've learned so much about stamina, service, and mothering from observing you. You have a strength and a grounding that I aspire to. You thought me again this morning with the phrase - Is my life about things to do or people to help. I have some work to do on this front....

How honored I am to be your friend. Thank you for being a friend to me and inviting me into your home and your family. I've very much enjoyed building relationships with your girls. I loved being Charley's primary teacher. 

I look forward to the day when we can be together again and do all the catching up. 

I love you, Madison.

Be well. Congrats on the new home. I can't wait to see it. 

With affection, 
Liz

From my recent talk when Spencer was released as Bishop:

I’ve been reflecting on our last 7 years in this Brooklyn ward and only the best thoughts and memories flood my mind. We moved here when Charley was 3 months old and this ward became our fast family. It welcomed us with open arms and we felt at home right away. Through those years I have met some of the best, most humble people. I have had conversations while running around the park with dear friends, 

I have visited people in their homes, brought dinners, cried on shoulders and allowed others to cry on my shoulder. Brooklyn ward will always be my first ward that I grew my family into and it holds a very special place in my heart. 

When spencer was called as bishop, I had a fresh 2 week old Lenny. And in a time when I thought leadership was supposed to come from me, I was showered with love and help from all directions. Ward members, too many to count, came to my aid and helped through that transition for our family. And it didn’t stop there. I have felt like I have benefitted far more from all your love and service than I have given and for that I am forever grateful. 

As a bishop, spencer really did try his best. He gave his time, love and service to his calling and I hope you felt that. Wether it was getting the YM excited about missions, helping a couple who had struggled with the law of chastity get to the temple or biking to the store to buy a blanket for a lady who’s heat had been shut off during the cold winter months, he served fearlessly. From our experience here in the ward, the most important thing I have learned and want others to know is that

 people, our relationships and friendships is the most important thing in life. People are more important than things. We try to teach our kids this, “Is whatever you at arguing about more important than the person in front of you?” And we can learn this as adults. Is your day filled with things to do or people to help? People are more important than things. Often people with the least amount of things are the happiest and have those loving welcome arms because know this secret. And I feel like our ward knew this secret also. People are more important than things. 

And I can’t talk about our time in this ward without naming the countless blessings our family received. Heavenly Father knows each of us and knows what we need and how he can help. He is a prayer away and I know I know I know I know that he hears our prayers and blesses those that service. Because when you serve others, you serve Him. 

So I just want to thank you for being so kind and loving to our family. I want to thank you on behalf of Lenny for the countless snacks every Sunday from a variety of people. Brooklyn holds a special place in my heart and I will think of you all often with fondness.