So much of me is made of what i learned form you.......

I graduated from high school 11 years ago today. Today, 11 years ago, my entire life lay ahead of me. 11 years ago, i had no idea who would steal my heart, who would break it and what kinds of things would light me on fire in a way that i've never experienced. I had no idea how much fun college would be.

i had no idea about anything. I was 18 and terrified and happy and so excited and mixed with emotions about growing up and leaving everything that i had ever known ever...to go into the world to be not only something, but someone....and the entire thing made me want to vomit.

But....thats sort of not the point. I just like to paint a picture. There is a lot I could say about high school, and most of it would be good. I had a great time for the most part and high school did not leave me for dead, it absolutely catapulted me forward.

Which is surprising coming form the chubby, not very pretty, smart ass, teacher's pet. On the whole, people liked me. It could have been so much worse. What i am most thankful for is the fact that there are 3 people from high school that have hung in there. We've ebbed and flowed and have felt far away, and so close....and those are the people who should get a standing o for putting up with me.

Because they didn't have to. Today, i was sitting just thinking about all we've been through. we've been so terrible. Said so many hurtful things because we were young and dumb and did not understand that worlds....make worlds. they liberate or crush us.

but we've also had moments of such gentleness and love that has been so real and they are moments that change you, that get inside you and make you feel so loved. Puzzle pieces that change shape. Sometimes we fit together is big ways, and other times it feels like we are and different sides of the puzzle not fitting at all....

and we always come back. and i'm so thankful for that.

Laura is my girl. I love her more than i can say. The perfect amount of sassy, and smart and her own person. She makes me laugh. she challenges me and she has the best, most compassionate heart. her family is made of pure gold and i just love them to pieces. We've stolen street signs, and studied and cried and laughed and shopped and worked every college summer together. My sweetest, fondest memories of my younger self include her.

Brent, is my gay. Will and Grace we will always be. he is just so sassy and gay but so sweet, funny and everything you think a gay best friend should be. there are no words. he makes my heart so full. All the showtunes and cher, and bars we've sung at....and college....we did college together. We watched each other grow into your skins. It's cool to have that.

Then there is Maggie, who to be honest, should probably hate me because i was kinda mean in high school. She is hilarious, and smart and such a spaz but loves Jesus so fiercely. i love her.

So tonight. i am thankful for the people who knew me then and know me now and love me anyway. Praise the lord for old friends.  I am so utterly thankful for them tonight.  My cup is overflowing like whoa.