Thanksgiving

This year Thanksgiving was very different from anything I have ever experienced. Many of you might know that my parents were divorced this last year and my dad and I don't get along very well so I never see him. I decided to go to the Blake family dinner after much thought and prayer and eventually, I decided to go. I knew I wouldn't be able to go alone and even though my little sister was going she was not enough of a crutch. I took my friend Benn and hoped that it wouldn't be too awkward. well... it was. He was great in keeping me busy and distracted but my plan backfired on me. The only people at the dinner was my grandparents, my aunt Shelly and her family, my dad, Allie, Benn and myself. There was no way of going unnoticed during this particular dinner. And having Benn there with me caused a lot of questions and strange looks. It turned out good in the end though. It started off with my father throwing my birthday present at me (oh yeah...it was also my birthday...lucky me) and yelling at me in front of everyone that 'hanging up on someone is very rude'. okay. I took it like always even though I hadn't hung up on him and went on my way. We ate dinner in almost silence with super awkward glances between Benn and I. My aunt Shelly, always one of my favorites and probably the only reason I went to dinner, called me over and told me about a prom dress she had and wanted me to see it in case I wanted to borrow it. I thanked her and continued eating dinner. Benn then announced we had to leave to get to his family dinner (clever way to get our of an awkward situation) and thanked everyone for dinner. Shelly, whom I had thought had forgotten about the dress called me over and took me to the dress. Secretly I was very grateful that she cared. I won't tell you what she said... but it hit me hard. I am so grateful for people like her who love freely and are not ashamed to say it. When the rest of the 'family' on my dads side would not talk to me. That moment was worth all the awkwardness of the dinner. I left the house in complete shock and later broke down crying to Benn. Once again, I am so thankful for those friends who care enough about me to come on Thanksgiving day and suffer through dinner with me and later tell me everything will be okay. After leaving Benn and the dinner, I continued to reflect on my life and cry. When I got to Tara's house (my mom's sister) I felt at home. I knew that is where I wanted to be and was so glad to be there. I went down and talked to my grandparents, and watched television with Erin and Adam, and then went upstairs to dinner. Dinner was delicious and I loved every minute of it. I taught my family how to play Nertz and loved spending time with them. I was so grateful to feel welcome in their home and to not need a crutch there. I am so thankful for all of the Taylor family and for all the love they give me. The next day was my birthday. My whole family went to see Harry Potter (love) and after my mom and I went shopping. It was so fun to spend time with all of them. After shopping with my mom, I went to my best friend's house. Victoria Graff. We watched Eat, Pray, Love and talked about 'left-overs' best way to end your birthday ever. I am so grateful for her in my life. I don't think she knows how much she means to me. I have never spent my birthday with a friend before this year. And I was so happy she was available even though all of her family was in town. She is the best friend I could ever ask for. We later went to Krave (our favorite) and ate our 'usual' order. Great day.

I know I have only mentioned a few people who have impacted my life. But this i only the span of two days. Thank you to all of my family, friends, and teachers who all help me in this life and who make the journey fun. Thanks again :)