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Good Riddance 2016, I'll Never Forget You

2016 was a rough year.  It has been two years since my mom died and I’m still trying to learn how to cope.  To add to it, more death and sadness struck myself and those I am closest to.  Looking back, I can’t say that I was happy this year.  In fact, it was a horrible, devastating year.  But there are some moments and people that I am extremely grateful for.

Old friends. When tragedy strikes I can look around and my oldest friends will be by my side.  Whether we speak every day, or every few months, or somewhere in between, I know I can count on them when times get hard.

New friends. I have become friends with an amazing group of people.  People I have laughed with and cried with.  People who have treated me like family and will forever hold a place in my heart.

My long distance BFF.  Whether I need him at 3 am or 3 pm he is always a text message or phone call away.  I don’t know where I would be without his constant support and encouragement.

My friends who have also lost a parent. They are the ones that send an extra text on days they know will be hard.  They understand that even happy moments have a blanket of sadness around it because someone is missing.  They are the ones that you can cry to without judegement because they have been there too.

My family. I have parents whose love I never have to doubt.  I have brothers and sisters who would move mountains for me.  And I have cousins who always know how to brighten my day.  It took me a long time to realize that not everyone is this lucky.

My children. There is never a day that I am not proud of them.  Their accomplishments amaze me.  From little things like my youngest learning to read, to the bigger things like my oldest earning his black belt.  My children fill my heart with pride, always.

My children’s friends. I have been lucky enough to become close to a handful of children I think of as my own.  To watch them grow up, and to be someone they trust and look up to is an honor.

Mini adventures. In spite of all the bad surrounding us, we took as many day trips and weekend getaways as we could.  Which will result in memories that will last a lifetime.

Porch parties. On my porch this past summer we had break up parties, dance parties and even cry your eyes out parties.  I had friends sit with me in the dark of night, friends laughing with me in the middle of the day, and friends who sleepily watched the sunrise with me.

Tequila nights. You form a special bond with the people ballsy enough to partake in shots of tequila with you.  You know that no matter what happens that night you are in it together.  Acquaintances become friends.  Friends become family.  You realize that you aren’t just in the tequila nights together, but you are in life together as well.

I wouldn’t wish the paid I’ve had to watch people endure this year on my worst enemy.  I would never want to relive 2016 again.  But there are some moments that I never want to forget.