I Didn't Know How Lucky I Was

Come now you troubled child, see this here? This is a gift, this life, these people, those places. Some only have this in their dreams, some haven't an idea enough of it to have in their dreams, but you, you have it. A family, and friends, and a home, two homes, and food, materialistic items, clothes, and freedom.

I didn't know how lucky I was, how lucky I am. I have a mom and a dad and an amazingly difficult brother and grandparents who love me. A host family most people wish they had and friends no one could ever replace.

My mom, as annoying as I like to believe she is, she is the one person in the world who I can always count on to be there. No matter how rude I am she never gives up on me. She never gives up. And my dad he's always been there for me no matter what. He has never seen one of my failures as a fail. He has pushed me to be a better runner, and a better person. When I thought he'd love me less he loved me more. My parents have literally giving me everything and asked nothing in return. They will and always have stood by me.

Brett, as obnoxious and unmanageable as he is has taught me more than any math, chemistry or english teacher could. He taught me it is okay to be exactly who you are, no matter what anyone says, or thinks. He told me what real friends are made of. Tried to teach me how to dance and showed me what a rough patch was and I know if he can make it through so can I. And he created my appreciation for good music and art.

My Grandpa. Some of you may not know this but my Grandpa is my best friend. Since day one. He like my father has always been there to support me and cheer me on through life. When I had no one to fall back on I had him and I will forever be thankful for that. (P.S. I wish you came back from Texas for me too.) And my Grandma. The nicest and sweetest lady any person could ever meet in their entire life. Always looking out for everyone and everything. And one of the best cooks I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

I know it's only been 107 days since they have come into my life but my host family deserves some credit. They've taken me in, and given me a place to call home. Helped me adopt to a new culture and continue to support my battle with a foreign language. But most importantly they put up with me, and thank god for that.

And lastly my amazingly wonderful and obnoxious friends. Both in America and here. First my Americans, I love and miss you. I am so lucky to have all of them as friends, I travelled half way around the world and they didn't even think twice about keeping me as a friend. They've supported me and kept me sane. Especially Connor and Haley, Prod and John. To my friends here: I know there are only a few of them; thank you so much for giving me a chance.

Being away and looking back and looking forward and looking at the present things are a lot more clear. Not everyone has this. And some people deserve it way more than I do.

Look child, look at this, look how lucky you are. This is a gift.

Merry Christmas. Fröhe Weihnachts.