Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Because I Knew You

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...

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 hand print on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have re-written mine by being my friend:

Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you: I have been changed for good.

-from Wicked, the musical (song in the sidebar if you want to hear it!)



You always made me feel good about myself. That I shouldn't doubt my talent, it was real. I had a new-found confidence that has stuck with me, in one way or another, throughout my life. Because I knew you.

You weren't in my life for very long, taken before your time. I miss you and the laughter you would bring to any room. And the pictures you would let me take of you, even though at six years old I had no idea how to work a camera. That childish smile lives on in me. Because I knew you.

You taught me to be myself. Stand up for what I believe in. Not to conform because I thought I should. But to be different because I could. That has forever been instilled in me. Oh, and the fact that I'm liberal. Because I knew you.

You were my best friend. I learned from you the ultimate life lesson: sometimes people grow up and out of each other at the same time. I miss you, but I know that if we were to become friends again it would never be the same as it was. But I look back on our hundreds of sleepovers, "Be Fri" and "St Ends" necklaces and realize my life at that time couldn't have been any better. Because I knew you.

Unbeknownst to you, you taught me the most about love. Or rather, how different what I have now is from what I had with you. Immature vs. mature love. I never thought I would carve initials in a tree trunk. I mean really, so cliché right? But I did. Because I knew you.

You brought out a work ethic in me never to be seen again. Part guilt, part pride. What would have been a job to anyone else, was a home away from home for me. Even in the mundane parts of life, you showed me how to have fun. And I still do. Because I knew you.



With you, I can be myself. No makeup, my favorite Adidas hoodie and windpants, or a new black print dress, cable knit tights and stilettos. When I have my blonde moments and claim that antipasto salad has pasta in it, or when I blow you away with my brilliance on a few Jeopardy questions. When I can't stop giggling at your Bruce Willis jokes, or when I'm crying and scared and just need you to make it better. You love me no matter what. And I couldn't be happier. Because I know you.

27 comments:

Jess said...

This is such a sweet post. And the last one is especially clever and also tender and cute. I'm glad you're so happy.

Anonymous said...

That song holds so much meaning for me too.

Andréa said...

That is so awesome! Really touching!

Frankly, Scarlett said...

Didn't Wicked just BLOW YOUR MIND!?

Trish Ryan said...

Wait...antipasto doesn't have pasta in it???

:)

Enjoy the happy!

Anonymous said...

i sang that song one time with a friend of mine! aw.

Unknown said...

very nice post, michelle! i'm glad you have found happiness!

Unknown said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for being so willing to share...

B said...

That made me smile. :-D See? Smiling. ;)

Moll said...

Very sweet post. It is deep! Makes me reflect and all that shiz.

Anonymous said...

You're a doll. But you know that. :)

Angela Noelle said...

I love this song so much... my sister and I always duet it when we're together ;)

Lovely post, and I'm so glad you're a happy girl!

Anonymous said...

Awww! Michelle! Dang it, you made me tear up. :)

cdp said...

This gave me chills.

This post is amazing and so are you and I love you a really lot.

Lacey Bean said...

I looooove that song. Always gives me chills. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh I love that song! I blogged about it after weeing Wicked for the 3rd time this winter! LOVE IT!

Nic (NotPerfect) said...

This is a wonderful post. And I just downloaded the song. Thanks!

L Sass said...

I love that song! It always makes me think thoughts like the ones you've posted here.

The Brooklyn Boy said...

Yer precious, kid. This is an important sentiment all too many people forget. Well done.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sentiment.

elysa said...

what a fun post idea. I will have to listen to the song when I get home.

Katelin said...

well one. this is my absolute favorite song from wicked, it's fantastic. and two. sweetest post ever. i absolutely love it and the way you wrote it. :)

Ashley said...

I LOVE this post.

You wrote it so well, I have lots of people that have made me who I am just from knowing them. What a great way to put it all out there.

Katyn said...

i'm tempted to do something similar, but i fear i'll need therapy when i'm through. hah.

Vanessa said...

What an amazing post! Beautiful!

Passionista said...

I love finding meaningful songs. I liked the spin you put on it too!

heidikins said...

I love that song, and I absolutely love this post. LOVE!

xox