Dear Home,
One word, four letters, one syllable. Short and simple, yet one of the most meaningful words in human language. There are countless facets of "home" which make it so unique and lovable, and I am long overdue for a thank you.
To my house.
To mailbox #29, thank you for always giving me a place where I can feel comfortable and at peace. When I think of the word "home," I picture you. White paint, black shutters, red front door. Driving to you has become automatic and second nature; I know every bump and curve in the road. Thank you for giving me familiarity, and a place to return to from college, sleepovers, and vacations over the years. You are a constant in my life, and you gave me a roof under which I grew up. It's the little things like the comfort of my bedroom, the smell of homemade food, and my designated spot on the living room couch that make me excited and anxious to pull down the driveway.
Oh, the memories -- some good, some bad (come on, we're talking about high school, here). You prepared me for college; not just in terms of academics, but in terms of experiences. Thank you for introducing me to some of the most amazing, genuine, unforgettable people I have ever met. You exposed me to some of the most influential teachers I know. Thanks for the fun times, including the football games, senior pranks, and prom. Most importantly, thank you for the endless opportunities to expand, grow, and work to the best of my abilities. Without you, I would not be where I am today.
To my friends.
Although few friends may remain from home, they are by far the most valuable and cherished. My
best friend and many others are from my hometown. They have grown up with me; they know my biggest fears and deepest secrets, my life
goals and the names of my middle school crushes. Thank you for always being there for me through the college applications, acceptances, and rejections. Even now, when we are miles away, you are one of the first people I want to FaceTime or text when something major (or minor) happens. Thank you for struggling with me through the SATs, taking prom pictures together, and tossing your cap in the air with me on graduation day.
To my town.
Thank you for giving me such a truly beautiful place in which to grow up. I have never felt as safe anywhere else as I do when I am here. You have taught me what a sense of community is, and what it looks like and feels like when a town comes together to help one another. Thank you for giving me a place which I love so much that I often think about spending my future here. Thank you for giving me a place to go where time always seems to stand still.
You are absolutely everything to me. You have been there for me since day one (literally). Home would simply be meaningless without you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Mom and Dad, thank you for always supporting me in my decisions and constantly pushing me to do my best. Thank you for being my #1 fans and going to all of my soccer games and concerts -- there's no one I would want to see more in the audience or on the sidelines.
Thank you for taking
care of me when I am
sick, teaching me to tie my
shoes, driving me to and from college, raising me, wiping away my tears, and dealing with me during those sassy teenage years. This doesn't even begin to cover it, but please know how
grateful I am.
To my older
sisters, thank you for being my best friends and role models. Thank you for setting a good example for me, giving me someone to look up to, and always being there for me. Even when we disagree and argue, I know you will always have my back no matter what happens. You never fail to make me
smile, and you know me better than anyone on this planet. Thank you for playing with me when we were young and including me, no matter how many times I knocked over your
Barbie bakery. You have taught me so much, and I aspire to be as successful as you both are one day. Thank you for picking me up (literally and figuratively) when I fall. Lastly, thank you for laughing with me.
Home, thanks again for everything. I owe it all to you, and I'll never, ever forget that.
Forever Yours,
Me
