memories...

A year ago today was a rollercoaster of the good, the bad, the ugly and the risky. A lot was on the line and I made a decision that I believed in and put a lot of trust in people. Now a lot of people laugh it off... it turned out most people don't remember or if they do it seems trivial. It wasn't trivial at the time. I still don't think the potential consequences are trivial... I'm grateful most have forgotten the drama but when we made our final decision I don't think either one of us knew this would be where we are today. Sometimes when I think back it all seems for naught.

In contrast, tonight I'm especially grateful for my family. Last Thursday I posted on facebook that I was thrilled to hang out with family the next day. My brother and sisters were stumped about who I could be hanging out with if it wasn't them. I miss my parents and my siblings more than you could imagine, but I was talking about my aunt and cousins.

One of my cousins lives here in Fayetteville along with her husband and two of the most adorable kids ever. I don't see them nearly enough but Robin and I have made an increased effort over the past few months to get together. When I was 12 I recognized Robin as my inspiration and I've always looked up to her... it's crazy to be living in the same city now. Her mom, my aunt is another huge inspiration to me. She was a big support to me during college and hooded me at graduation. My other cousin Allie was also in town with her daughters and all of us women wrangled the four kids and tackled a fair over at Ft. Bragg last Friday. The kids had me nearly sick on the spinning rides but I absolutely loved spending time with them and having them pick me to ride the rides with them. After a long week of work it was such a relief to unwind with family. Sunday is Robin's birthday and she invited me over for dinner tomorrow night. I need it... I've come to rely on some pick-me-ups during the week to get me going and I'm so grateful for time with people who love me unconditionally. When all else fails I have to believe family will always be there for me.

Sixteen days until our last football game... 17 days until the first basketball game... 26 days until I can go home for Thanksgiving... 51 days until I can go home for Christmas... but who's counting? :)