Release Your Inner Hippie

As I sat down to write about Brynn I thought of a scene that has happened several times over the past two semesters. It’s me, leaving the Reading Center in the David O. McKay library. I have on all my winter gear: my warm green coat with the fur lining on the hood, my orange hairy scarf that envelops my chin and my white rabbit fur hat that only lets strands of dark brown hair to poke out. I'm already getting hot with all the winter clothes on as I grab my backpack and head out the door. As I pass by the glass windows of the Reading Center Brynn is sitting on the red couches. She sits with her legs crossed and a student folder in her lap. You can't help but notice her Swedish-blond hair that is straight and gently layered around her chin. She raises her eye brows so that her blue eyes grow large and gives me an enthusiastic wave. My mouth automatically stretches into a teethy grin and then I have to keep walking to my next class. Making my way through the walls of books I think on the past couple of minutes and I smile. As usual, Brynn and I had talked between tutoring and had caught up on each others lives. As I walk away I feel calm. I feel understood. I feel like I can handle life.

This is Brynn. Throughout these past two semesters we’ve been involved in much of the same things: Student Ambassadors, the Reading Center, Relief Society presidencies, school, elementary education, strange boys, making decisions and some more strange boys. When I first met her I felt like I already knew her and that we’d been friends for a long time. From there we’ve had many good talks were I always come away feeling good. Brynn possesses the talent of listening and has been my refuge many times as I’ve dumped my feelings on her. She’s calmed me down when I feel frazzled and given an understanding heart. She’s been the much needed support as I’ve made my decision to serve a mission. She is fun and has a great laugh but I know I can also share things of my heart with her. She is spiritually minded. She has been an example to me of how to handle all the demands of life.

Now as I’m leaving for Fiji and she’s on her way to become the rich stellar teacher she was meant to be, my heart aches that I’ll have to leave her. But I realize that the Lord has taken care of her before I entered her life and He will continue to. It was my privilege to know her. I’ve realized she has been my gift from Heavenly Father these past two semesters.

Like the song, For Good says,
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

I love you Brynn!