Random Emotional Spurtage

I was driving home last night from my boyfriends house. I had the radio turned off, heater turned to full blast, cigarette in hand. Something came over me and my eyes welled up. It was like a slap in the face, really. I realized how wonderful my life is and how much better it is now then ever before. I am so thankful for the people that I have the privilege to call friend.

Bryan:

You have always, always, always been there for me. I called you a little over a year ago, during a snow storm and told you that I needed a place to live.....like.....right now. You said yes. You welcomed me into your home without any expectations or worries. You listened to me bitch about my day to day, even when I didn't ask you about yours. You made sure I was okay when I was so very close to not being okay. You listened, you told me the truth, even when, heck, especially when I didn't want to hear it, but needed to hear it. I couldn't ask for a more loyal friend. I couldn't be more grateful for the things you have done for me. I care about you deeply and I would give you the shirt off my back if you needed it (although it might look pretty ridiculous on you.) I feel so blessed to have met you. I love the time I get to spend with you. Thanks for always making me laugh and making me realize that I take life far too seriously sometimes. Thanks for letting me sleep with Brant in your house. You shut the bathroom door.

Rachel:

You have enriched my life and made me remember how to be a girl. Not that I've forgotten, but I forgot what it was like to have "girl night" or "movie night" or "let's get shitfaced and make asses of ourselves night." I have never went on vacation with a girlfriend before. I had my favorite one with you! You make me laugh. You give me wonderful advice. You play devil's advocate and the perfectly right time that I need it. You are nice to my dog. You are reliable and warm. Thank you for inviting me into your home and letting me meet your family. Thank you for accepting mine and my life the way it is. You are so good, so honest and I love you very much. I thank god for you every day.

Ryan:

You are the man I want to marry. The man I want to have a family with. The man I want by my side when things get tough. I want to be there for you. I want to make you smile even when it seems impossible. I love the way you make me laugh and the way you make my heart melt when you look at me. I care about you so deeply, sometimes it hurts. I know we have our differences, but that what keeps it interesting. Thank you for taking me seriously. Thank you for giving me the respect that I have always wanted. Thank you for treating me like a person, not just a woman. You have changed the way I feel about my life and myself. You made me realize what it really is to want. Sharing my life with you has been the most wonderful thing that has happened to me. Thank god for Quik Trip and power bars. I love you handsome.

Natasha:

You will always be my sunshine. You will always be so close to my heart. I will hold you there forever. I know we don't see eachother as much as we used to, but you are still my girl. I still think back to the day you saved me on that never ending road in the snow. You gave me the mantra "sometimes you have to take life one day at a time. Sometimes one hour. Sometimes one breath." I use it when I need it most. You are so beautiful inside and out. I respect you for the mother that you are, the student, the teacher, the wife, the friend. You already know that I love you, I don't even have to say it.

Mom and Dad:

Where would I be with out you? It's scary to think about. You are my best friends. Every time I have needed you, just to talk, to cry, to bitch, to get advice, to yell, to fall apart on, you have been there. I wish I could repay you or show you how thankful I truly am, but I know that is impossible. There is no amount of anything that could do that. I am so fortunate to have a mother and father like you. I love you both so much it hurts. Thank you for being there, every time.

These are the things that went through my mind last night during my drive home. I realized that without these people, I would be lost. They are my family. My love. The thing that makes me feel alive and safe.