Some thoughts from Cecilia...

When I first see someone in light of whether or not I think we'd be friends, I generally have one of 5 immediate responses.

1. Whatever...
2. That person looks so interesting to me.
I'd like to get to know them.
3. Too pompus!
4. She looks like a nice person.
5. Out of my league!

Peggy fits into category #5. If it weren't for the fact that we spent some major time together helping teenage girls and the fact that we have developed mutual friends, I wonder if I'd ever have become friends with Peggy.

Peggy has always been somewhat of a perplexity to me. Here is why...

Over time I have watched her interactions with and reactions to other people and the things they do and say. How can someone be so kind to those who aren't, so patient with those who might otherwise be 'put in their place', and so understanding of others' shortcomings? I have never heard Peggy utter a mean word or act spitefully to a single soul.

How is it that a person can be so organized and prepared for all aspects of the holidays and summer breaks? Christmas cards are started in January! Sweet homemade treats are delivered on holidays and at random times when she simply feels like it, even on St. Patricks day, of all holidays! Summer activities with her kids are planned well before the season and she invites other moms and their kids to share in the adventures. Flyers and annoucements are always ready when they need to be and not just typed up and copied. They are printed in fun fonts and littered with cutsy clipart.

Peggy is a giver. She gives to her husband, her kids, her friends, her church, her community, her God. She gives in ways that can be seen and in ways that are not seen, but are felt. She gives with her smile, her hands, her attitude and her heart. Some of my most prized possessions are pieces of artwork that depict the Savior's birth and were fashioned by Peggy's keen eye, skillful hands, hard work and creativity.

Peggy is bendy. She can bend her body into poses that defy her age. (hehe!) She can bend words to fit perfectly into a beautiful and meaningful poem. She can bend her busy schedule to make time for family and friends. She can bend to the will of the Lord. She is an example of what a woman should be to everyone around her.

So, though I may be bewildered by Peggy, though I may forever be in her shadow trying to catch up to her, I'll be happy as long as she continues to count me among her friends. Thank-you, Peggy, for being my friend!