The next month I received another call with bad news from my father; my grandmother was in the hospital and wasn't going to make it to tomorrow. She passed away 20 minutes before I got there to see her which has continually haunted me every day since, but I'm dealing. I am eternally thankful for my grandmother and my new found respect for my family.
In March I decided that Green Mountain College was not where I was meant to be and I transferred to Eastern Mennonite University in the fall. I am thankful for change.
In April, well, nothing monumental really happened in April.
In May I got to experience working at a camp other than Johnsonburg for the first time, and it wouldn't be the last. I also began my first preseason working along side my big camp sister Colleen who I am continually blessed to know. She also made one of my dreams come true by taking me to my first Josh Ritter and being that cool wasn't enough and she pulled some magical strings with her new found friend Austin (guitarist for the Royal City Band) to get us passes to meet him and talk with him. I cried. It was amazing. I am thankful for Colleen.
June was a pretty cool month. I got to drive for 11 hours in one day hitting 6 different states and testing my ability to be up for 24 hours straight without a nap. The next week after that adventure I got to meet a really great guy from Wisconsin, Mike, and we became friends after talking underneath the cabana overhang during a thunderstorm. I am thankful for new beginnings
In July, I struggled with the change camp was going through, not really understanding what was happening scared me shitless. My emotions and patience for the summer staff were running thin, and I had not idea what I could possibly do to help which made me even more upset. At the end of July I truly contemplated quitting because I was so upset, but I couldn't because I was there for the kids not my fellow staff and my campers helped me be a better counselor. I am thankful for campers.
I spent a lot of time with my friend Ann in August because I was not sure how much longer I would have the convenience of being so close to her, Harry, and the kids. We baked a lot when I was out of unit week seven and she taught me so much about not only baking but also life. She is a great friend like that. During the staff meeting of week seven, I really can just remember the amount of tears that flooded the room when Harry announced that he did not get the job at Johnsonburg. Over the next couple of months I understood more and more of what happened which helped a little. I am thankful for Ann, Harry, their kids, Lorelei, and Kurt.
In September, my relationship with Mike continued to grow as we learned more and more about each other. Field hockey was in full swing and I had the opportunity to bond with a great group of ladies that I did not take advantage of as much as I should have. I did take advantage of the rock climbing course that was offered and was able to gain more experience in rock climbing (and also got some wicked awesome leg and arm muscles). I am thankful for my health.
October was the best month of the year in my opinion. I spent four days in Ohio with Mike where he asked me to be his girlfriend. Those four days were magical. We learned so much about each other and our emotions were confirmed when we told each other we loved each other. I am thankful for Mike.
And here we are at the end of November. I am high as a kite and I'm not on drugs. My sister and I are finally acting like civil human beings to each other and are acting more like good sisters than two people who don't talk to each other. I am thankful for my sister and my's relationship.
