It was two days before my mom's birthday when my older sister called me to tell me she would buy me a plane ticket to surprise my mom. We discussed it for a little and the next day I was getting ready for the airport.
My mom and dad called me earlier in the day asking what I was up to at the moment and for dinner. I told them I was studying in the library and would probably just eat in my dorm for dinner, little did they know I would be in South Florida by dinner time.
I go to FSU in Tallahassee so the plane ride is very short to Miami, only about an hour long. I got on the plane and off I went. Right after I landed, my mom just so happened to text me "thinking of you." I replied "missing you guys", but in less than an hour I would be home.
My friend, picked me up and I was officially on my way home for the first time in two months. When I got out of the car it was about 11 p.m. I rang the doorbell and knew instantly that my whole family would start freaking out, wondering who the freak was at the door in the middle of the night. So I kept ringing and ringing and finally my Dad came out and said "who is it" so I yelled "it's mee!!!" Awkwardly enough, he still didn't know it was me so I clarified "it's Annika!" Finally, he grasps that it was me and we embrace and walk inside.
When I open the front door, my little pups come jumping on to my legs. My mom walks out and asks "who is it? Is it Annika? Is it really Annika?!" She finally realizes it's me and an immediate smile appears on her face. We hug and sit down on the couch. Everyone was in shock, including me. It felt so nice to finally be home with my family and pets. They're all still totally confused on how I got there, but I tell them how my older sister paid for the ticket and my friend picked me up from the airport.
It was such a nice surprise for everyone and super fun to plan and execute. Literally none of them saw it coming! It's times like this weekend that really make me appreciate my family and home. There really is no place like home. College is great, exciting and adventurous but home is safe, loving and comforting. It's so important not to forget your roots, especially in times like college, where there is nothing better to do than explore new things. Surprising my family this weekend was so much fun. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful home to go back to whenever possible.
