In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, I have been
thinking about how blessed I truly am. I might think differently when I nearly
step on a centipede early morning or while I am receiving blunt criticisms from
the Thai folk. Nonetheless, I have been given an incredible opportunity to
learn, to interact with genuine personalities, and develop in positive ways. I
have witnessed breathtaking sunrises, discovered the world under the sea and
immersed myself in another culture. When I was a little girl, I never could
imagine having such irreplaceable experiences.
However, that is not what I am most grateful for this
Thanksgiving. In fact, I do not think I
could be more grateful for anything else in this world.
I met my best friend when I was born. I was trouble right
away- coming real late, giving her a bit of a fight. Despite that, I soon
settled into my role as her sidekick. I’m sure I followed her around like a
puppy dog, tattling on my three older brothers whenever possible or pretending
to be helpful. Soon, I was old enough to attend school and that is where the
gossip began. Throughout my school years, we talked about everything- boys,
clothes, TV shows, and life. I looked forward to Phil Collins Saturdays and
Sunday Sauce, knowing we had all day together to go shopping or curl up to a
Lifetime movie. We sometimes fought when I tried to be someone I was not. But,
she was always able to bring me back to my senses. She kept me out of trouble
and filled my mind with ideals.
Then, it was time for me to go to college. Before then, I
had not gone one day in my life without talking to her. I was nervous what
would happen to our relationship considering I had never been this far from
her. Who was I kidding? We grew closer as I learned more. We held significant
conversations and dealt with real troubles together.
Before I knew it, three years later, I was back home curled
on the couch with her. Even at the age
of twenty, I still would prefer to fall asleep in her bed. We fell right back
into the swing of things, although I struggled sometimes for my independence
while she struggled to keep me safe.
The time came when my travels would start. I started in
Ghana and made my way to Thailand with a short trip home in between. Boy, have
I missed her. Nonetheless, she has been supportive of my
dreams, putting her worries and selfishness aside. She has hopelessly listened
to my tears through the phone, listened to me as I gloat about unbelievable
experiences, and seen the worst side of me. She has dealt with frequent Skype
calls as I ramble about people, places and things completely foreign to her.
She has always been there, wherever there was. She made sure I knew I had
someone to lean on at all times.
Because of her, I see the world in a positive light. Because
of her, I have the confidence to be here right now. Because of her, I have so much love to give. Because of her, I know I am
important.
No matter the circumstance, I will always be most grateful
for her. For my forever friend, my Mom.
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