Another year and another blog post. Too cliché? Never.
I know that I am WAY behind on blogging, especially with my New Year's post. I'm using grad school as an excuse. I checked and yes I am allowed to do that.
2013 turned out to be an amazing year. We, as a family, had some struggles, but boy did we make it through so much stronger. There were so many milestones and amazing moments that this blog post will more than likely not do it justice.
To start off 2013 my mom got diagnosed with cancer. I had some blog posts about this earlier in the year, but never posted them because...well I don't have a reason. Trying to wrap myself around the fact that my hero had been hit with such a hard blow was undeniably hard. Thankfully she has gotten through the worst of it and right now fingers are crossed. We are not in the clear yet, but every day is a closer step to that.
I had my first alumni weekend. If that doesn't make me feel old I don't know what will. Got to spend some time with friends I haven't seen in forever. It was a great weekend reconnecting with old friends, playing soccer with my old teammates, and giving one last goodbye to some of my favorite people on the planet.
My brother moved in with me. Ponder that one for a minute. Haha it has been a major adjustment trying to get used to a roommate after being alone for so long. We are still a work in progress, as you can imagine.
I got to go to Honduras and spend some quality time with one of my best friends from college. Went to a beautiful beach wedding, brushed up on my Spanish, and got to have an unforgettable island adventure.
I started grad school in August. Something that I have been working towards for a very long time...and in all honesty didn't think would happen. It has been a stressful, complicated, angering, but joyous and rewarding ride. I don't think I would change it for anything.
I joined an indoor soccer league, thanks to a nudge...ok push from one of my best friends from undergrad. We went 10-2 for the season. Not too shabby!
Our family experienced two major losses in the matter of a week. We lost a very close family friend and we lost my grandfather. Death is weird and I have problems understanding it. I imagine most people do. But I can say, with a full and happy heart, that both of these men are in a better place and no longer in any pain. Although they are greatly missed here we will be reunited with them soon.
I reconnected with my Dad. I don't talk about him much, if ever due to the fact we have had a strained/non-existent relationship for the last ten years. Growing up without a dad in my life has been hard, but something you learn to accept. I decided that after ten years of pent up anger that it was time to let it go and accept the fact that we're both human and mistakes have been made. You can't mend a shattered relationship quickly, but in time I think we can have a healthy father daughter relationship. In lots of time.
I've started making my way back to the Big Man upstairs. My journey is slow, but I am getting there. Bible studies and people who don't judge my quirkiness have certainly helped that.
I came to the realization about what I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to be a Physical Therapist with a Strength and Conditioning Certification who works with injured soldiers. Helping to rehabilitate them and get them back to what they love doing. I feel like it is my way of giving back. How excited I am about my future, but there is so much work to be done. Work that I am excited to tackle. Once I complete my Masters in Cell and Molecular Biology I plan on going to the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program here at Missouri State.
Finally, I celebrated my one year anniversary with Crossfit 417. I know I talk about Crossfit all. the. time. but this gym has truly been a blessing to me. The people I've met and the friendships that I have made are irreplaceable. I found myself in this gym when I thought that I had lost everything. They helped me to rediscover myself off of the mountain biking trails. After that loss I had a huge hole to climb out of and I did that with the people who have become my family at 417.
2013 was a great year, but I am excited to see what 2014 has in store. It can only get better from here.
