Martha was in my ward and nearby in the neighborhood. When she was in second grade, her father was called to be a mission president in Australia, so she was gone until 5th grade. We wrote a few letters back and forth. I thought her life seemed amazing all the way around the world and I wished to do the same! When they came home, we quickly resumed our friendship. Our ward family was close, and the 5 (and sometimes 6) girls that were my age were all kind and good to each other. When we reached Junior High School, Martha and I began to realize we had a lot in common and we had many classes together. Martha played the viola, and I played the violin, so we were in orchestra together. We were both in similar English and math classes. We both ran for student government offices and both made it! So we had student government class together too! Our 9th grade year we had EVERY SINGLE class together. And we had the same short haircut! In fact, our teachers would get our names mixed up; she would often get called Margaret and me Martha! We really enjoyed being together. And then, my family got called to serve for my high school years in Cleveland! She understood and was supportive. After returning home, we have been friends (she is another member of the Dave club--5 of us married Daves!). When I had Diana and then had surgery 3 weeks later, she came to visit me (she was still single) and although I was struggling with my health, she said, "I would give anything to be in your shoes!" It made me really appreciate my life even though I had some challenges at the time. Her father was our Home Teacher for many years. He even met Dave before we got married. As we moved back to Utah in 2005, she has included me with the High School group as we meet for luncheons and Christmas parties. What a wonderful lifelong friend she has been. I always can count on Martha.
Martha and her mother at Junior High Graduation
Our school group. Martha is 4th from the right.
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