What an amazing 15 years in 6967. I feel so fortunate to have been able to call one place "home" for a majority of my life.

The day I left for DePaul starting my freshman year was the last day I had in 6967. That day wasn't so much about leaving my parents or my brother or my dog because I knew that would be the last time I was going to set foot in that house. That was August 30, 2015.

Here's a picture of my dog, Rosie, laying on my bed the day after I left for DePaul. My mom walked in and saw her laying there like that. She rarely ever does that. She knew something was up when all my stuff was gone. She's a good girl.

I look back on those wonderful memories and just feel happy. Happy to have had an amazing childhood there.

I'll never forget the neighborhood, the driveway, the yard, the trampoline, how clean my mom always kept the house, my room with big windows, the kitchen, the swing in the front, the patio, etc.

It was the perfect house for our family, catered completely to us. It is a reminder of how great of a childhood I had and the happy family that lived there. I'd like to think that the family who lives there now loves it just as much as we did.

It's been a little over a year now since we've lived there. It's bittersweet. I miss it and I know it was time for us to move. That house was a reminder of the family that was once one and together, now we are no longer that. If one of my parents did still live there now, it wouldn't feel the same. It would feel like we were holding on to something that was no longer there.

When I came to DePaul for my freshman year I recall my mom saying to me, "Grace, make Chicago your home." I never really got there last year. Can you blame me? Living in one place for 15 years, having my parents divorce then sell that house, and going off to start college...it was a lot all at once. I did the best that I could.

Now looking back at what it was, I am able to see that it was time to move on. It provided an amazing place for me to grow up, but now I'm on my own, learning and experiencing life at college as an independent girl. Despite all the change in my life, I tackled it as best as I could and to be honest - it made me a better version of myself. I had to grow up fast this past year, but that's only made me tougher and stronger in the long run.

Here's a picture that my Aunt Patty painted in watercolor and gave to me as a graduation present. Best gift ever.

Grateful to all the people who have supported me and my journey along the way. And the people who loved our "home" just as much as we did. It will forever hold a special place is my heart.

Thanks for reading. Much love.