This is the first in a series of "goodbyes" that I will be writing as my undergraduate career comes to an end in May. Today, I talk of my Lady Spririthunter family - the girls that have been with me for the past few years who have really nestled their way into my heart and my life as a whole. Shauna, Cristine, and Lindsey - this is to you (in honor of Reveal this past weekend).
Two years ago (isn't it crazy how time flies?) I welcomed a new friend into my life, someone who would melt my heart and become like a sister to me - only I had no idea at first how much she would impact my life.
I had just joined a social organization called Lady Spirithunters on Florida State University's campus (which has continued to change my life in so many positive ways, might I add) and old and new members alike were on the look-out for potential family members - Big and Little hunting season had begun. This "potential Big" and I met at a little French bakery and an hours-long conversation commenced, talk of books, boys, basketball, and Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's been two whole years since I met Shauna Gillooly for the first time, and these two years have been some of the most amazing, love-filled, adventure-filled years of my young life. We've shared nights of too much wine and gossiping, nights of Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat, Pray, Love, nights of dancing and laughing and being so happy my cheeks felt like they would burst from smiling so much. Looking back at my undergraduate career, it's easy to pinpoint when I found my home - with my Lady Spirithunter family, and with Shauna.
Then, the following year, it was my turn to hunt for Littles. I remember how nerve-wracking it was reaching out to and meeting with all of these girls, trying to impress them, make them giggle and smile and want to be part of my family.
And then I met them. And I felt so comfortable and at home with them. I wanted to spend all of my time with these two girls who so easily stole my heart; I wanted to make them laugh, cry, and fall in love with me, basically. The night I received the e-mail that told me I had gotten both of the girls I requested as my Littles? That was one of the most relieving, exciting nights of my life. Driving home from Shauna's, screaming in my car, dreaming of the looks on their faces when they would run into my arms at Reveal. Just reminiscing on these memories has me choking up, honestly. I cannot fully express how much my little family means to me.
Over the weekend, my little family grew even more. We welcomed another addition into our lives, and I am so happy to share my love with another human. I feel so old now that my Little has a Little - boy, oh boy, how time flies - but watching her Little run into her arms had me feeling so giddy, and, not to mention, nostalgic.
Cristine, you are going to be such a light in your Little's life, I promise you that your best days together will be some of the most beautiful days of your life. I want to thank you, and you, too, Lindsey - and you, Shauna - for letting me watch you grow and love and accomplish all that you have accomplished. I am so honored to be by your side, and to be your Big. You've made me so proud, and I can't wait to tackle the rest of our lives together, no matter how far apart we end up. 
I don't know if I'll ever find something that thrills and excites me as much as spending time with my Lady Spirithunters family does. And as far as I care, I don't want to find anything that would equal it. Family is forever (sorry guys, you're stuck with me). 
