Changes

This summer was tough. I lost my grandmother after finally getting to know who she was. I thank God I did get to spend two years with her, building a relationship that may not have existed if she'd never had Parkinson's Disease. It's amazing how I lived eighteen years without seeing her as her true self...but once she had that freedom, I saw just how many characteristics and mannerisms we shared. I will treasure so many moments we had as a family, finally seeing who she could be without being under the influence of another person. I will especially treasure the moments where we all laughed until we cried...nothing will ever replace that feeling. God knew I needed that and gave us just enough time to let me know that I am truly Ellen's granddaughter.

I also lost a friend. God planned for this relationship to end, but I never expected the path that was taken. I learned something from this experience... that I was the stronger one. I answered the questions. I felt the intentional stabs. I accepted the shock of being betrayed. I didn't run away and I didn't hide. I didn't throw false accusations and I didn't cut with words. Actions spoke much louder than anything I could have said or explained. I am stronger because I know that I was there when I was needed even if the favor was not returned.

I graduate in less than seven weeks and I am so excited! I received admission to my first choice for graduate school and I know that God will lead me through the rest of my education towards a job that will improve lives. I am so glad I listened to the pull I felt towards UNCG because it has been the most amazing experience. On to UNCC for more economics! (...I realize how this sounds) I hope that my family realizes how important they have been in every step along the way.

God has repaired other aspects of my life and I am so thankful. The changes I anticipated were not the changes I experienced, but the unpredictability is what makes life exciting for me. These past few months have revealed just how amazing my family is and how amazing my true friends are... which I knew all along, it's just nice to be reminded that those people will always be there no matter what happens.

“The great thing is, if one can, to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions in one's 'own' or 'real' life. The truth is, of course, that what one regards as interruptions are precisely one's life.” -C.S. Lewis