You wouldn't know it by the picture above, but today I turned 20. I was reflecting this morning in my prayers on the blessings of those 20 years. As I expressed to my Heavenly Father my gratitude, I realized that most of my blessings came in the form of people. As I thanked my Heavenly Father for my family, roommates, future roommates, missionary friends, high school friends, Bridgerland friends and work friends, I came to one conclusion:
I have indeed been mightily blessed.
I have been blessed with a family that loves me so much. For a mother, father and brother who decided to text bomb me the exact minute I turned 20. Blessed with another brother and sister who tell me I'm old and make sure I know it. My family are my biggest cheerleaders. My parents are my biggest, strongest supporters. I am so grateful that I have them a phone call away. My Mom and I have become best friends since I moved away. It's incredible to me how many internet tests I take and my mom is the person who should be my travel buddy, sister etc.
My Grandparents, both sets are incredible as well. There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for them, for their support and their unconditional love. My aunts, uncles and cousins who without a doubt love me. It doesn't help that I'm their oldest, and therefore first niece :).
I'm blessed with roommates who are incredible. They always know what little thing I need that day. And there are times when I no longer feel like I can move forward and then Alexis will say something that will buoy me up, or Tasha will freak out about spiders. Megan and I will share a geek moment. Talisha and I will tease Tasha. Or Ashley will make me laugh. And then it's all better. They are my rock. and there hasn't been a day when I wasn't grateful for their love and support. We got put together for a reason, and that reason was we each needed each other.
Krysta and I share the same obsession with Star Wars and methinks that means our relationship was meant to be. She's the Rey to my BB-8 (she can understand me when I'm unintelligible). Amy (Our R2D2) knows how to make me smile and Emilee is unfailingly kind. Knowing that we will get to be roommates next year gives me no end of comfort and joy. I am so excited and so happy that they are in my life.
It is incredible each Sunday and Monday to receive several emails full of experience and spiritual insight from each of my missionary friends. Even more wonderful is to feel close to them as I kneel down and pray for their well-being and success each night. I am grateful for strong friends in high school that became incredibly strong missionaries. And they start to come home soon, so that's crazy.
Even from Provo, there are three girls I simply would never have been the same without. Never. I would have been lost and alone. I would not know who I am. They have helped me find me. there are not many places in my life where I can be completely myself with no reservations. With Ashley, Alicia and Mary I can be. I can be completely myself and completely safe. I love them deeply. Our friendship is something that will not die because I will not let it. I am so exceedingly grateful for them. For their love. For their friendship.
And the Bridgerland group. I am so grateful for the summer when I was losing friends and was forced to go out and make new ones. For W-1/30 who reached out with open arms and accepted me. Who let me be me and loved who I was. Who talked with me about literally everything from dating (the eternal curse of the singles) to politics. Who purposely get me started on rants about Trump cuz they think its funny.
Brandon, Tyler, and Stew who are simply good people and who care for and about people. Who accept everyone and anyone, because they are amazing.
I'm grateful for Maren, my forever Valentine. The woman with whom I can do weird things like awkward hand holds and hugs and it's not awkward cuz it's just us. Camille who is literally the kindest woman I have ever met, save Alexis (Sorry Camille). She is always worried about everyone and I love that about her. Emily who is an incredible woman who knows how to care and how to laugh.
I'm grateful for Derek, Trevor, Josh, Chet and Jaimee. Each who have an amazing ability to make you trust and know that they truly care.
I'm grateful for the people I work with. The people who make it joyful and wonderful to come to work each day. Who challenge me on a daily basis and pick up the slack when I fall short. Who make me laugh and put up with my quotes, and my snark.
On this, the 20th day of my birth, I am incredible grateful and incredibly blessed to have so many people who have unequivocally loved me. Who have watched out for me, and who have cared for me.
Today Alexis gave me something that caused me to cry, and that was a little booklet of notes. She had taken the time to go to my work, to each of my roommates and to Bridgerland. Where she asked each of these groups to write notes for me. I cried. Each of the notes was something personal. Some inside joke. Or some political campaign they'll run for me someday. I am so incredibly blessed to have these people in my life who make me happy. Who make sure I smile. and who make sure I know I am loved.
Last year I had the worst birthday on record.
This year I had the best.
And it didn't come packaged in boxes or bows. It came packaged in great love. In people. And in gratitude. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
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