Monday, December 17, 2007

An Ode to Jeff and Stephanie


In a previous post, I gave you a quick reference guide to all of Elizabeth's friends. There was one huge gap in that post: her dear friends Jeff and Stephanie Harrison, whom some refer to as "Jeffanie."

There really are so many things I could say about this sweet couple and what they mean to our family and to Elizabeth in particular, especially Stephanie. We long ago adopted Steph into our family. Before she even lived with us for a summer, our individual relationships with her were each so precious to us that she became in some senses a daughter, sister, and aunt. (To my knowledge she doesn't sign "Morton" after Harrison on her checks and official documents, but in our hearts she is definitely a part of our family.) We really love her so much!! If you know her, you know why. Steph is so good at loving others, encouraging them, being open and honest, and being your fan. She laughs easily and is incredibly easy to be around. We couldn't be more blessed to be in HER life!

And her relationship with E is priceless. We pray that there would be godly older women who would befriend E throughout her life and lead her closer to Jesus. Steph is one of those women and can probably claim to be the first one!

Here's a little story to illustrate their relationship. This past weekend, we all celebrated as our dear friends Ricky and Sarah got married. Steph and I were both in the bridal party and had spent the night at Sarah's house as well as the next day getting ready for their 5 p.m. wedding. Because of this, I had not seen Elizabeth for almost 24 hours. Certainly, she would miss her mom!!

When we got to the church and she saw me and Steph, do you know whose hand she wanted to hold first? STEPHANIE'S!!! I mean, can you believe that? Though I sound offended, and honestly for a moment I was, there was also another part of me that was so happy that E still holds Stephanie so close in her heart.

This pic pretty much sums it up.














Here are some more pics of them together from a previous weekend. They illustrate the relationship that Steph and now Jeff have with our darling one.








Okay, not sure what happened to these pics, but I think you get the idea of their fun friendship. We love you, Stephie!

4 comments:

Miss Mommy said...

What a sweet ode! Oh, how I'd love to be on that list!

Debi Morton said...

This is so precious! I remember when Stephanie was that shy young woman who wanted to learn how to take care of wee ones. How far she has grown and into such a lovely young woman. What a wonderful mom she will be someday!

Shannon said...

So true, Mom. Did you know after seeing her again this weekend, I said the same thing to Jeff. He quickly agreed. :)

Steph Harrison said...

shannie shan, you're too sweet. i'm so honored to be basically an entire post! so exciting! i must say that most of these skills come from your teachings. :) i hope you know that jeff and i are so humbled to be so close to you guys. we looove you. (imagine shannie voice here) :)