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Grateful For Family

Man, I am blessed.

Megan Bumgardner

Nov 28, 2016

University of Jamestown

195

Olivia Erickson

As I watched my family prepare for Thanksgiving while writing this article, I realized that family is truly the best gift we have been given. I know that is not the case for everyone, and I am so sad for those who dread time with their families.

My family, however, is one amazing bunch. Like the stereotypical American family, the men lounge in the living room enjoying football while the women bustle around the kitchen. Everyone talks continually - no topic of conversation is too random to participate in. We discuss local news, the weather, and even popular diets. Laughter fills the house (and occasionally, so does smoke..) while the delicious Thanksgiving dishes are cooked to perfection.

I love how family holidays are a place of no pressure. You belong there. No one can doubt it or question it because these are your people. They will claim you, no matter how weird you get. They overlook your faults and offer an endless supply of hugs when needed. Family holidays are times when you can be unapologetically genuine and never worry about what others think of you.

I'm not sure how, but family get-togethers are the memories you can feel. The joy felt in those times can stick with you when you glance back at a picture or think about that day with the people you love. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by people God hand-picked to be my family. Each person has a unique personality and role that is different from the next, but just as valuable to the chemistry of the whole bunch.

Families support each other. I can't tell you how many of my family members have talked to me about these articles; how special it is to have people who value my thoughts enough to take time to read my articles! I never doubt whether my family is proud of the woman I am becoming. They are the greatest cheerleaders and make me so thankful to be part of their group.

Finally, I am thankful for the way families grow. Getting married has been such a new and wonderful experience because I've been welcomed into another family. It's so special to transition from a stranger to a part of the family - they chose to accept me. I am really grateful for that. I'm now a part of two really awesome families with people who love me, love Jesus, and love each other.

No matter what comes my way, I know my family will be by my side. They are so special to me and I hope to never take them for granted.

Photos taken by: Olivia Erickson

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Grateful For Family

Man, I am blessed.

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The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

1. People asking if you're mad at them.

2. Those people who hand out flyers don't always try to stop you.

3. Creepy guys telling you to smile.

4. "I thought you were a bitch when I first met you."

5. People telling you you'd be "so much prettier if you smiled."

6. Doing your makeup and looking great, which somehow intensifies the bitch face.

7. Regularly explaining "it's just my face."

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

That moment that someone you never looked twice at suddenly makes you do a double take out of no where.

But you can't have a crush, that's outrageous. It's all in your head.

Because you don't have a crush, there's no reason to tell anyone about anything. Right?

But then they do something irresistible and you start to lose it.

Now accepting the fact you have a crush, you have to keep it under control.

Then there's the part where you tell your friends who will claim they called it.

They'll be excited and cheer you on. That's until they realize that your crush is all you'll be talking about.

Your obsession has become so bad, that your Facebook stalking is getting out of control.

But your friends will try and help move things along any way they can. That doesn't mean it will be any helpful though.

As time goes on, you start having fantasies about the two of you and it's starting to scare you a little.

You can't focus on anything because all your attention is on them and everything they do.

Anybody who comes near your crush is now an enemy, and you are willing to fight for your crush.

When you see them, you act like an idiot. Trying to hide your feelings may not be as discrete as you think.

Keeping your feelings inside will start to be harder and harder until you can't keep it inside anymore.

Who knows, maybe it will work out? Take a chance.

Everybody hurts sometimes.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

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3. Senioritis is more real than ever.

4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

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