With the holidays underway, we are constantly reminded of all we have to be thankful for. Even if, at times, it seems like our lives are falling apart, there are things that keep us going. Here are four things that always hold me up, keep me going, and have a special place in my life. Here are four things I will be forever grateful for.
My Parents
For being there to support and love me no matter what. For helping me through obstacles and celebrating through successes. For giving me the ability to do things on my own, yet always being there if I need someone to fall back on. For having a dad who, when I was little, cooked me dinner, read me a book and brushed and braided my hair before bed. Who fixes all of my technological issues and tries to teach me how to balance a checkbook. Who is there to have a nice conversation with, and a forced hug or two. Who drove me everywhere before I had my license and to the DMV when I got my license. Who instilled a love of country music in me. Who always believed in me, even if he didn't show it (I know you, dad).For having a mom who made, and makes, sure all of my appointments, dance classes, college applications, visitations and 1,000 other commitments were payed for and went to. Who makes sure birthdays and graduations are celebrated the right way. Who respects my decisions and always makes sure I know what I’m getting myself into (even it’s with many texts a day). Who makes sure I am happy and gives advice if I’m not. Who always encourages me to do things I'm interested in and always tells me how proud she is of me (even if I say it's annoying). Who looks out for me 24/7.
My Siblings
For being there to grow with and learn from. For sharing inside jokes that no one else will ever understand. For having someone to fight with, yet forgiving with no consequences. For having a younger brother to give advice to, a twin brother to relate to, and an older sister to receive guidance from. For having three people who will always know how to cheer me up, annoy me, make me laugh, relate to me, and be there for me. For having a little brother who will most definitely annoy me just for the hell of it, but will always cheer me up when I come home from school. Who will pretend he doesn't miss me but talks a million miles a minute about every single thing that has gone on since I've been gone, when I get back. For having a twin brother that is so similar yet so different. Who has gone through literally everything from kindergarten to sixth grade with me. Who experienced the same things in high school, just in different ways. Who made friends that became my friends. For having an older sister who has gone through things I haven't even thought of. Who tortured me when I was little but became so close to as we got older. Who gave clothes to me as she took them from me. Who gives me criticism in the best interest of me. Who is always there to give me advice even if it's blunt. Who shows me how scary, exciting and hard being a real adult is.
My Friends
For being there to make me laugh until my stomach hurts and tears stream down my face. For being there to make me laugh even when I don't want to laugh. For being there to talk me up when I’m not having the best day. For being there on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. For being there to talk me out of a bad decision but still there with open arms when my heart gets broken. For cuddling with me when I'm upset (even if I say I hate it). For taking me out and showing me a good time to help me feel better. For texting me "I miss you so much" and "You're the best." For laughing at my stupid questions but listening to my serious problems. For caring for me, whether it be for 14 years, 12 years, or one year. For caring for me and thinking about me whether it be from 300 miles away or 20 feet away. For always having my best interest in mind, even if I don't see it at the time.
My Teachers
For taking their free time to help me. For not only worrying about my academics, but me as a person, as well. For pushing me to do my best work, but always sympathizing with my breaking points. For being there to celebrate my accomplishments and to tell me I can do whatever I put my mind to. For having high school teachers who gave me real life advice, when it came that time. Who calmed my nerves about graduating and told me I was ready to take on whatever was next. Who spent hours after school going over SAT questions even with families at home and commitments to fulfill. Who gave me new music to listen to and books to read. Who made conversations about books enjoyable and exciting. Who became my own personal therapists, at times. Who treated me like their own kid. Who had me as a student years ago, but still expects visits to see how things are going. For having professors who encourage me to think in different perspectives. Who know me by name and treat me like an adult. Who make class enjoyable while still teaching things that are relevant to the real world.
A gigantic thank you to all who have helped me, loved me, supported me, pushed me and believed in me.
This goes out to you.
