| This break started off to a shaky start and I forgot that I was supposed to be thanking God for everything I had, not just this week, but every day. But while my family cuddled together on a small couch in front of the television last night around midnight watching Bourne Supremacy, I realized, as frustrated I was this week, I wouldn’t give this up for anything. So I’m really thankful to God not just for my family, but for His love and His grace because I so don’t deserve it. My family means everything to me, especially now. I’m thankful for every time my dad’s been a goofball, popping out of dark corners to start pretend gunfights after watching 24 with us (this was not too long ago), wrestling with us, watching movies with us, reading us bed time stories even though we’re far too old for them, etc. I’m also thankful for every time Dad’s been strict not because he wanted to punish us but because he loves us. I’m thankful for every time Mom tries to initiate girl talk but can’t do it because she doesn’t know how it works. I’m thankful for every time she came down to U of I with large Tupperware filled with Korean food, because I craved it. I’m thankful for every time she nags for me to clean up my mess. I’m thankful for my little sister, I’ve been through a lot with her, and we had a heartfelt talk last night which resulted in both of us crying. I love her so much and it’s hard to express it sometimes but I am so thankful to God for her. Okay, this is pretty much turning out to be a list. I know, I know, I’m an English major I should write better than that, but at this moment, I can’t. But please realize: everything I write really does come from the heart even if it’s not packaged very nicely. Jo and Lynn, you two don’t realize exactly how much you mean to me. I tell you guys literally everything and yet even through all my flaws you still accept me. If I didn’t have you last year, I don’t know where I would be right now. You two are the older sisters I never had. I’ve learned so much from those older sister talks but mostly from what you guys do. Actions speak much louder than words, and I’ve been guided by what you do in daily life. Jo, I’m so thankful that you are my roommate and you’ve been with me through some of the most pivotal moments of my entire life. I’m sad that you’re going to be leaving soon and this semester with you has been so great. Lynn, I’m so thankful that I was in your small group last year and thanks for all those times you’ve been there for me, offering up your apartment for those long talks about God, boys, family, boys, boys, etc. I love you both so much =) I’m also very thankful for the CRH people that I’ve gotten closer to this semester. You guys all make every meal in the dining hall interesting and make me forget about the horrible food. I’m also very thankful for those allnighter-in-tunnels people. Deb’s right, we do some crazy stuff during that time and I’ll treasure those moments. I thank God for Deb, my future roommate =) You’ve been a blessing to me too. I learned so much from you from what you’ve done and said. A lot of the times, you just give me fresh outlook on issues that I have to deal with. You’re a very special lady and I can’t wait to room with you. That dart board is coming out frequently, I can already tell =P Next year should be pretttttty interesting. I’m also thankful for the few friends I made last year. We may not talk as much anymore because either they moved to different dorms or because we’ve just grown apart. But Marissa, Erik, Mike, Maureen, Paula, Lois, Sarah, I’m so thankful for you guys. You made a difficult freshman year a lot brighter. =) Mostly I thank God for last summer and this semester. It’s been a pivotal period of time for me. Life-changing, really. I really can’t put it into words. But no amount of poems, xanga entries, prayers can ever fully say what I need to. Thanks God, for just everything. HAPPY THANKSGIVING, GUYS!! |
