The way you have influenced me is invaluable, and I don’t think you even realize the extent of what you have done.
Because of you guys, I have more than one place I can call home, and I cannot thank you enough for that.
When I was younger, it was always exciting going to a friends’ house. For the most part, I didn’t go over with the intent of talking too long with their parents, I just wanted to play with my friend. As I have grown older and my friendships have grown stronger, there has been a bit of a shift. At some point in time, things changed, and I was not only excited to hang out with my friends, but I really enjoyed visiting with their families too.
There is nothing like going to your best friends’ house and not having to be on guard because you are so comfortable with the people you are surrounded by. Essentially, you leave your own house just to go to another place that feels like home.
These relationships had to start somewhere, and it is funny looking back on the times when I would ask, “do you guys have any water?” Of course, you had water. Or, “where is the bathroom?” Whereas now, it is normal to walk in without knocking, head straight to the fridge and only find my friend after I’ve made myself a snack and have had a 20-minute conversation with you guys.
It all started with the surface level questions and a parent just thinking, oh, so and so’s friend is over. But over time, as you guys had seen me a bit more and I grew closer with your kids, I grew closer to you too. Eventually, the questions were less generic as you knew so much about what was going on in my life. You would ask me how my project ended up going or what the latest boy drama was, and texting one another became a pretty normal occurrence. You started to tell me stories of your life, the crazy things you did when you were younger and what it was like for you growing up.
The dynamic of our conversations changed, and it was no longer a matter of an adult talking to a child, but more of a friend talking to a friend. The guard that once separated us diminished and you now have no problem with teasing me relentlessly, which I appreciate. I have come to you with the problems life was throwing my way, asked for your advice, and looked to you guys for support numerous times. You have always been there supporting me on the days where I triumphed, and you have been there for all of the times that life didn’t go according to plan.
Thank you for all of the family dinners, always being game to invite me on the next adventure and for treating me like I am one of your own. Thank you for letting me sleep over on weeknights when my parents had to go out of town and for expecting me to do my part as a member of your family. I have learned so many life lessons by tagging along with you guys all of these years. Having you guys along the way has created such a positive and lasting effect in my life, and I wouldn’t be who I am without you.
Because of you guys and your open arms, I have multiple places I will always get to call home. I have multiple sisters and brothers and multiple people I get to go through life with, which is priceless.
I know I will never be able to repay you, all I can really say is, thank you.
