New Year

So, it is almost a new year!

I don't know what's coming, (I don't have 20-20 vision!) but I am excited.

The dawn of a new decade. Every year is special, but we get to witness our symmetrical year of the century!

So many things have happened. I went to summer camp, and made a lot of friends, some of which have changed my life forever. I danced with my first prom date. I started learning guitar. I'm learning Latin. I discovered the best series I've ever read. I made new friends, and I got to know my old ones better than I ever anticipated.

I discovered myself in so many ways.

And I didn't do it alone.

To my family and friends, this post is for you.

Liam- you just walked over to my computer to insult me, so you get to be first. You are my little brother, and like all of your kind, you can be infuriating. I wouldn't trade you for the world, Liam. You are my confidant, my cleaning partner, in many ways my best friend. Thank you for always being there for me.

Bryant- You are also my little brother, and you haven't been here the whole decade. But things got a lot better after you came around, and I want you to know that I will always be there to tuck you in. I love you, bro.

Lloyd- You are another person who hasn't been here the whole decade. But heaven knows I don't remember life without you. You introduced me to learning, research, and Michael Crichton. You taught me how to think for myself, and I will always use that. Thanks, from the bottom of my heart.

Kiera and Kiley Stockton- You guys are the literal best. You've helped me with so many things, from painting walls to the A minor chord. My life is better with ya'll in it, and I'm sorry if I sometimes can't tell you apart. That's one of my New Year's resolutions.

Austin Rose Stockton- You are my best friend. Some may say we don't have a lot in common, and they are right in many ways. But none of that matters. I love you so much, and I'm forever glad you slowed down enough to include me in your life.

Ethan Stockton- Thank you for being my book friend. You are my first true beta reader, and I can't thank you enough for putting up with my scatterbrain. I'm so glad you enjoy my book suggestions, and I'm always up for a philosophical conversation. Thank you for thinking like me, and making me feel it's ok to be myself.

My TIP family- I haven't seen some of you in years. I've made my peace with that. But I will always remember you when I listen to American Pie, think deep thoughts, or write a report on Cuba. Sofia P., you were an amazing friend, and I know you will do so many great things. Case Zumbrum, thanks for being the best prom date a girl could ever ask for. You will always have a part of my heart. Devon and Drew- you guys were my nerd group, and I appreciated every debate, every lecture. I will always think about two sticks whenever I play spoon.

I miss you all.

Ever and Livie- I don't see you guys a lot, but I really enjoy your company. I look at your art whenever I get on Instagram, and it warms my heart every time.

Zane- Thanks for telling me about the Stormlight Archive. I will always argue with you about the pronunciation of Jasnah.

Uncle Daniel- Thanks for telling Zane about the Stormlight Archive. Yes, we owe it all to you. I will definitely be using those chess lessons.

Aunt Laurie- I would be absolutely confused without you. You are a great teacher, and I can confirm, better than all the math curricula that I've ever used. Combined. You are an amazing person, and I'm learning way more than math from you.

Sophia- I'm listening to Viva La Vida as I write this. Thanks for that. And you are so fun to talk to, from philosophy to books. Mostly books.

Mrs. Kathy Cardwell- You push me hard at piano, but I know it's for my own good. Thank you for seeing the best in me, and seeing the worst too. It's nice to meet someone as awesome as you, and to know that you actually like me most of the time.

Mom- I saved you for last because I knew it would be long. I can't explain everything that I'm glad for for, but you are the best teacher, friend, and mother anyone could ask for. Thank you for always being there for me, holding me while I cry, and making those waffles so I could do school. You are the person who uses power tools during class, and whose heart is bigger than big. Thank you for understanding me. I know I can be difficult, but goodness knows that I need you. Thank you for being the best Mom in the world.

To all the puzzle pieces in my life, I know I mess it up. Thank you for accepting me for who I am, even though sometimes I don't. I hope one day I deserve all the love I've been shown this year.

So, Happy New Year.

I don't know what will happen, but I will face the unknown with a smile on my face. Because you guys will be there with me.