Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a sentimental person. The end of the year brings about a certain nostalgia. There is a focus on what has happened in the past year. While I reflect on 2016, I am thankful for many people in my life. I tend to take them for granted, so I thought I would take a moment now to thank those that made 2016 wonderful.

To my parents:

Thank you for all that you have given me. This year, you supported me as I studied at Samford, worked at camp and worked as an RA. These things have all grown me and made me a better person. Thank you for supporting me financially, loving me well and continually reminding me that you are proud of me, whether I feel like I have it all together or it's all falling apart.

To my siblings:

I miss you more every time I have to leave. Y'all keep me laughing. Thanks for all the snaps of Lulu. Y'all make me so proud with all you do and you set the bar so high! I'm thankful that I am the oldest, because you both have exceeded the expectation that I set.

To my friends at Samford:

Thank you for all the life chats, Sonic runs, belly laughs, trips to the caf, hugs and words of affirmation. Thank you for laughing with me and crying with me. Thanks for showing me true friendship that is founded on God. Each of you holds a dear place in my heart.

To my DeSoto girls:

Thank you for getting me through the hardest summer of my life! It was y'all that made me able to laugh at myself and enjoy the hard times. It was such a growing experience and I learned so much from working with y'all. I hope a fraction of your joy, patience, humor and grace rubbed off on me!

To my hometown homies:

Another year of "When is your fall break?" and desperately hoping we can cross paths when we are both home. Thanks for reminding me of all the times in years past--the good, the bad and the awkward! I love hearing about how y'all are doing as we are scattered across the country.

This year brought about some of the hardest times of my life, but through those hard times, I had a support system of family and friends who showed me the love of Christ. They made the hard times good and the good times better. It is because of them that 2016 was a great year!