As Thanksgiving is over, I feel like this is the best time to show my thanks for the important people in my life. Family and friends have helped me through so much, and I can't express how much they mean to me. I care about each of these people for different reasons, so I'm just gonna go into it.
1. My mom and dad
My mom and dad have been there for me through everything. My dad refused to take a picture with me, but my mom surprisingly said she'd love to take a selfie with me for this article. I am beyond thankful for them both for raising me to be the person I am and for supporting me and encouraging me to do my best. Without them, I wouldn't be as successful and happy as I am.
2. My sister
I'm 1000% going to cry while writing this. My sister is my best friend. I'm so thankful to have her in my life. She's my #1 fan and she's always there for me. I know that I could go to her with anything and she would support me. I love her to the moon and back, and I'm so thankful to have her.
3. My brother
My older brother is my role model. I hope to someday be even half as happy as he is. He has always supported me and never questioned me. When I came out to him(which was wild, read about it), he was there for me. When I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, he was there. He's always there, and I'm so thankful for him and his support.
4. My sister-in-law
UGH I LOVE THIS WOMAN. She's amazing and absolutely perfect for my brother. She's supportive of him and me and is always there to help me better understand something, or to talk things out. She's super great, and I'm thankful to have such a positive person in my life.
5. My dog
I know she's not a person, but Sasha has always been there for me. She loves me unconditionally, and I'm definitely her favorite (it's okay because she's mine). I love her so much!
6. My best friend from home
JACKIE oh my gosh, Jackie and I have been through quite a bit. She was there for me even when she wasn't with me. She was there through countless surgeries, my coming out, college, and everything in between. I am so thankful for her!
7. My best friend from school
Kayla, even when she's not feeling good she checks in on me. She is honestly a great friend and person, and I'm so thankful to have her in my life. She's beautiful and amazing, and I can't wait to see what we both do post-graduation.
8. My roommates last year
Carey, Makalah and Kayla (above, left to right) are so wonderful. We're in different parts of the world, but they're all there for me through everything. Kayla is still at school with me, but Carey graduated and is working and Makalah is teaching in France, and they both still manage to help me and support me.
9. My roommates this year
Kayla (top left) was mentioned twice already so she's done. Shelbie and Angie (top right, Shelbie on left, Angie on right) have quickly become two of my best friends. They help me through everything and anything, and they get me. Shelbie understands my anxieties, and Angie understands my humor. Without them I wouldn't have had the courage to do as much as I can, and I am beyond thankful for them. Morgan (bottom left) and Aliah (bottom right) are both amazingly beautiful ladies who support me through everything. I'm glad to laugh with them, chill with them, and eat with them. I seriously can't wait to see what all these beautiful women do with their lives.
10. My boyfriend
Erik has literally been there for me from the get-go. When we started dating he made it super clear he was there for me, and he's here for the long-haul. We never run out of things to say, we never get sick of each other's jokes, and we're always there for each other. I can honestly say I fall for him more and more every day, and I'm beyond thankful for him. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I'll be damned if I stop doing it.
11. Friends
So, there are a lot more people who I didn't mention by name because I wasn't sure how they would feel about it. Mainly my boyfriend's friends who so easily accepted me into their friend group (all of whom I consider to be my friends), they have all won my heart. I'm thankful for my extended family, other school friends who help me through everything (I'm looking at you, Jen and Amory!), and the rest of my Odyssey community. I'm so thankful for you all!
So there you go! The most important people in my life. I couldn't get through the day, week, month or year without them. They helped make me into the person I am today and will continue to help shape me into an even better person. I love them so, so much and they all mean so much to me.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. I will never be able to thank you all enough for the joy and love you bring into my life.
I love you all. I support you. I'm here for you. I love you.
