To England, Where My Heart Lies

Wow, everyone has done such a great job capturing Chelsea's love for her fellow friends (of whom she had many). I relived so many memories with her as I read the other posts, and everything written only reinforced my conclusion that Chelsea was champion at living.

So many of my memories have been covered in other posts, for example, I also tried (on rare occasion) to try my hand with the "advanced" group of morning runners, (at Chelsea's invitation and encouragement.) She was 48 times the runner that I was, but she never ran ahead or ran out of motivating schemes to keep me from collapsing and taking up permanent residence in Kensington Gardens. One morning after running approx. 2 min, I was overcome with the need to find a restroom. Chelsea and I trekked all over London trying to find a public toilet (fat chance). We eventually made it back to Palace Court, but I'm certain that without Chelsea's "you can make it" being constantly fed in my direction, I would've met with an untimely accident.

I also remember staying up late one night in the Lake District, swapping stories and ambitions with her as our cohorts slept snug in their hostel beds. I recall being hit with the impression that Chelsea felt an enormous responsibility to keep those around her happy. All of her future plans were weighed in direct contrast to how they would impact those she loved. She loved and respected her parents, and wanted to make them proud. She also spoke of her siblings with a maternal kind of love, and I like to think that although she never experienced the sweet blessing of having children, she was able to live that role through the care and worry she took on as the oldest sibling. We finished up the late-night chat talking about our respective boyfriends, and how those relationships would pan out after reaching our homeland. She expressed a sincere love for Chase, but was nervous about feeling such an attachment with her whole future ahead of her.

Even after London, I was eager to continue my new-found friendship with my Salt-Lake-raised kindred spirits (Ange & Chelsea). Between the two of them, I had arranged a place for me to live, and a great job. Being a small-town gal, I was grateful to have some kind friends with big-city know how.

I will forever be grateful to my Heavenly father for letting my path cross Chelsea's. She has made a lasting impression on my life, and her way of soaking every drop out of each of life's experiences has helped to make me want to be more focused on living mine to the fullest. If I'm ever blessed with female offspring (another fat chance,) I hope my daughter grows up to be like you, Chelsea Anne Hale.

I hear the drizzle of the rain
Like a memory it falls
Soft and warm continuing
Tapping on my roof and walls

And from the shelter of my mind
Through the window of my eyes
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies

My mind's distracted and diffused
My thoughts are many miles away
They lie with you when you're asleep
And kiss you when you start your day

And a song I was writing is left undone
I don't know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can't believe
With words that tear and strain to rhyme

And so you see I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you

And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I
(author unknown)

Love,
Jodi (Tracy) Cope