Let's talk about November

Ah November. My favorite month. My birthday is coming up, I'm going home in less than two weeks, I get to go to A TON of Thanksgiving dinners (one of the perks to having divorced parents), and the weather is awesome- except not really because I live in a concrete jungle with no fall colored trees and a whole different kind of cold than I'm used to. Election day was yesterday, and for those that know me well, you know that I eat, sleep, and breathe politics, so I had a great night last night (this is the only situation in which its acceptable to say go big blue.... other than that Tops on Top.) I started filling out Capitol Hill internship applications last night, which is just as stressful as it sounds, and I'm currently in the process of finishing my 8:45 am to 9:15 pm class filled day.

While November is adding up to be a pretty great month, everything was sort of thrown off track about 10:30 Monday morning. My friends from back home let me know that one beautiful human and close friend to many of us had died in a terrible car accident the night before. I've experienced loss before in a very intense and not-so-good way, but this one sucked in a whole new kind of way. I'm hundreds of miles away from my grieving best friends (and the "everything's gonna be okay" embrace of my dad), and the only emotion that I can 100% put my finger on at this moment is pure shock. As a bunch of teenagers, my friends and I never expected to lose someone at 17 years old to something like this. We were blind sided, and for the first time since losing my aunt nearly a decade ago, I've had to face the fact that humans aren't invincible and everyone's time here is limited. Honestly, the thought of losing those close to me is terrifying, but makes this month all the more important. So, with that being said, prepare yourself for some sappy stuff. Sorry.

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to take a second to recognize some specific people that I'm endlessly thankful for.

First, I'm thankful for my step-mom Jamie. That woman has done more for me than anyone could ever imagine and I don't thank her enough. From the second she stepped into my life, she's loved me as her own. Jamie, you're the most loyal and dedicated person I've ever met, and I'm forever blessed to have you in my life.

Most of y'all know that my Dad and I are pretty tight, so I'll keep this one kind of brief. Dad, you've always got my back and you just get me like no one else does. Thank you for raising me how you did- like seriously.

Anyone that knows my Mom knows that she does stuff throughout the community all the time. Mom, thank you for showing me the importance in civic engagement and friendships. Your network is actually insane and your service in Bowling Green is never ending. Seeing you do things like that has encouraged me in my own service experience and has played a huge role in how I interact with others.

I'm especially thankful for my brother Benjamin. That kid drives me insane, but he has taught me how to laugh and cry and fight and love like no one else. I miss him more than anything and I'm so glad that I get to live life with him.

The newest addition to my family has come through the adoption of my youngest brother CJ. Ever since holding him for the first time back in March, I've been in love. He is the sweetest little kiddo and I don't know how we ever lived without him. CJ has taught me a kind of love that I've never experienced and I can't wait to watch him grow up. (Shameless PSA- Adoption is awesome. If you haven't considered, researched, explored, or spoken to others about the idea, I encourage you to. These moms give up their child in hopes of giving them the best life they can, and the answer could be you. There are too many sweet faces in this world without good homes.)

Austin and Morgan, you guys are the best. Y'all are always supportive and there for me, no matter how big or small the event. Austin, you're the most random and interesting mix of a person, but you also manage to be one of the most relatable and steady people in my life. Morgan, I can talk to you about literally anything and get a 100% truthful and thoughtful answer (no matter how random the question or topic). You guys are some of the most important people in my life and help me deal with so much stuff. Thank you for being awesome.

Peter, Yash, Annie, Tinsley, and Chloe, I miss you guys so much, and I wish I could be with y'all right now. Y'all have been a huge part of my life for the past six years (nine for Chloe), and I can't thank you enough for helping me develop as a person and friend. You're the best group of friends that I could ever ask for, and I can't wait until we reunite in a few weeks.

Now, I want to give a personal shoutout to Angie and Leon for raising such an incredible person like Breona. Bre, you're my best friend, my other half, my soul sister. I love you so much and I can't thank you enough for sticking with me through thick and thin. You've been there through every moment- every school change, every important event, every style phase, every music obsession, every bad joke, every work rant, every life crisis.... you've just been there for it all. I've never been able to connect with another person on so many different levels like I can with you. I miss you and am forever thankful to have you by my side.

Alright folks, it's time for the rapid fire round.

I'm thankful for my church back home for giving me a place to be myself. Karen, Mikey, Jodene, the Pankey's, Kellie, everyone- y'all are such great people and I can't wait until I can come visit.

I'm thankful for my grandparents and extended family- you guys have greatly impacted who I am today.

Jamie's family has been incredible. You all welcomed me into your family with open arms and I love every single one of you.

WEHS, BGHS, and GHS football coaches- you guys have been with me quite literally since birth and no matter how intimidating and tough you may seem to people, you've all been so incredible and have taught me so much (good and bad). Thank you.

I'm thankful to the Kentucky YMCA for so many reasons that I can't even begin to list them. Thank you for making me who I am.

Chanse- you're a hot mess, but you're incredible. I'm glad to have you as my partner in crime.

Any friends not specifically mentioned- I love you guys. Seriously.

Lastly, I'm thankful for Warren East High School. The students and staff there saved a bad streak of moving schools and helped me end my education time in Kentucky with two incredible years.

I could continue on and on with specifics, but the moral of the story is to give thanks for the important people in your life. Hug them tight, share some laughs, and take advantage of the time spent together. You never know how long you've got left with them.

Until next time, Mere

#thanksgiving #november #family #friends