I’ve been waiting for you for so, so long. Where have you been all my life?
In the spirit of the season, I thought I’d take a sec to put proverbial pen to paper and make some notes about the things I am grateful for.
Of course, my amazing family. More specifically, my incredible parents. Not only did these two give me the gift of life (that’s a bit graphic) but they gave me everything I have and made me everything I am.
They’ve always had incredible patience, which is probably the most vital quality one must have when dealing with me. They have been my biggest supporters in many, many ways and have been the only constant in my life. They are the first ones to dish out a healthy dose of tough love (thanks, Dad) but also the first ones to give comfort in tough times.
I am forever grateful that I am celestially involved with them.
Mumsy and I in Aix-en-Provence
My ward family. Hmmmm, where to start? I am so privileged to know and love some of the most fabulous young people in the city. My ward family is really my San Francisco family: the people who love and support me in everyday ways.
They, like my parents, are the first to dole out a little tough love when I get a knocked off course a bit, but are also the ones I go to when things go either fantastically wrong or ridiculously right. I share with them the everyday joys of seeing the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge, eating mexican food and attending family home evening.
They make San Francisco home.
Incredible friends. I thought about folding friends into the ward family category, but I've had many, many friends over the years not of my faith that have taught me the most incredible lessons about life and love. There are so many people throughout high school and college that changed and shaped my perspective of the way the world works and taught me how to love unconditionally.
Here's to celebrating our 8th birthday as besties
My education, both in the states and abroad. I know, I know. That France thing, again.
Humor me?
Not many kids get the opportunity to study abroad twice. After spending eight weeks in southwest France, I made the decision to spend the year in Aix-en-Provence. My parents mom didn't bat an eye at the thought of going back, though my Dad did take some convincing. I believe his exact words were, "well, if you and your mother are united on this, there's not much I can do about it, eh?"
I am forever grateful for the experiences I had overseas. Living amongst another culture taught me an incredible amount about myself and definitely gave me the world view I have now. Plus, it forever made me addicted to traveling.
I am equally as grateful for the opportunity I had to attend Chico State and BYU-I and graduate, and for my parent’s sacrifices, support and excellent advice. My six years in college (save your judgement for later, please) were some of the best of my life thus far, and my sweet memories of those times will stay with me for a long time.
Arriving at SFO after a year away
My job. This one’s a bit of a no-brainer, but I am of course incredibly blessed to have a job in a city I am in love with, doing exactly what I studied in school. I have coworkers that make the deal even sweeter by making me laugh, talking me off a ledge and generally being available via Gchat for...whatever.
The gospel. Last, but farthest from least, I am so grateful that my young, married parents met with the missionaries some 37 years ago and made the decision to join the church. My life, as well as the lives of generations to come, will be blessed by their decision and their unwavering love and loyalty for the gospel. I am so grateful for the knowledge that families are forever and that there is power that is greater than me.
And with that, ‘tis time to mash the potatoes.
xoxo
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