I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you…
This past week was peaceful, terrifying, routine, joyful, and emotional depending on what day it was. I did well on the working out front, and I am confident that the endorphins are helping me fight any depression that could be coming on. My retreat meetings and work went well. I’m working hard on my Regis interviews. All very routine.
One night this week, the dogs escaped. It was Wyoming windy on Monday night, and the front door blew open. I was engrossed in working on my Regis stuff, and I didn’t notice the dogs disappeared. My neighbor came by to pick something up for the inspection we were having Tuesday, and that’s when I realized the pups were gone. I have no idea how long they were missing. I hopped in my car, and my new neighbors got flashlights and started out on foot. I found them in the enlisted neighborhood across Perimeter toward our old house. I was so scared because there was so much traffic, and they started running toward my car when they heard the squeaky toy and me. I was so relieved to find them, but it ruined my night. They were disgusting—covered in mud and who knows what else. So, I had to bathe each of them. They were good, though.
On Tuesday, I had an Encounter meeting, which went really well. I was so thankful that Sharon (my principal) let me come in late since I was working late. I couldn’t find any one to let out the dogs. I’m sure Pat would have done it, but he’s been helping me so much with them, I didn’t want to burn him out.
The highlight of my week was definitely this weekend. I went up to McGuire AFB/Fort Dix to visit Mark. The drive up there was a nightmare on the traffic front, but I had good weather and found the base easily. We had a cheap but good dinner on Friday night, and while Mark was at class on Saturday I was able to work out, grade, and work on Regis stuff.
Saturday night was incredible. I finally received my Christmas present—Wicked! The show was absolutely amazing; I think it’s going to make me look differently at any supposed evil character I encounter in film and literature. Elphy and Glinda completely broke and screwed up after “I’m popular”. They stayed in character, but seeing two amazing Broadway actresses who had done this show hundreds of times screw up was what I love about live theatre. Watching them and the orchestra improv and get the show back on track was amazing. That’s where the real talent is…Stephen Scwartz’s music was just amazing. During intermission, I had this thought: it’s thanks to him that Mark and I met. Had he not created Godspell, we wouldn’t have met. Mark thinks we would have; he thinks St. Louis is too small and that our paths would have crossed, but I’m not sure.
After the show we met up with Lauren Wright and Doug McGraw at the Perfect Pint. I always love meeting up Lauren; she’s family. And it was great to hear what Doug was up since college. This morning we had brunch with my NYC Clancy family, and that was so much fun, too.
As I get older, though, I always wonder how people really live in Manhattan. It’s such a different lifestyle than anywhere else in the country. It’s definitely exciting, but I think it would be such a hard city to live in.
The hardest part of my weekend was coming home tonight. I know Mark will be home on Friday, but every goodbye just means it’s closer and closer to saying goodbye to him for a long time. I was fine at McGuire. My drive was easy, and I sang along with my iPod almost the entire way. It was when I arrived home and started unpacking that this feel of sadness and emptiness overtook me. I just wish he could have come home with me.
But to leave on a happy note—this song is amazing. I’m using it on Encounter. Listen to it. Absolutely amazing.
(Elphaba):
I’m limited
Just look at me – I’m limited
And just look at you
You can do all I couldn’t do, Glinda
So now it’s up to you
For both of us – now it’s up to you…
(Glinda):
I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you…
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
(Elphaba):
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend…
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
(Glinda):
Because I knew you
(Both):
I have been changed for good
(Elphaba):
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I’ve done you blame me for
(Glinda):
But then, I guess we know
There’s blame to share
(Both):
And none of it seems to matter anymore
(Glinda):
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
(Elphaba):
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood
(Both):
Who can say if I’ve been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better
(Glinda):
And because I knew you…
(Elphaba):
Because I knew you…
(Both):
Because I knew you…
I have been changed for good…
