Thank You

Whew, has it been a long time since I posted on this blog.  I refuse to feel guilty about that, however, seeing as how in the last almost 4 months since I have posted, I have graduated law school, spent the summer studying and taking the bar exam, and have been preparing to have a baby (which is due within the next week, by the way).  Even though I have a lot currently on my mind that I could write about, including the impending birth of my first child, the freedom of being out of school, or the ridiculously controversial Chick-Fil-A saga, there is only one thing I would like to say today and that is THANK YOU.

The timing of being 9 months pregnant and having just finished my formal 22 years of schooling has left me feeling very grateful these last few months.  I would be naive to think that I have gotten to this place on my own, and I would be ungrateful if I did not thank those that have helped me along the way. So...

THANK YOU to my parents who have always supported me (despite my resistance) whether it be sitting in the stands at a soccer game to watching me misspell t-a-m-a-l-e in the county spelling bee.  They instilled in me the idea that I could be anything that I wanted to be as long as I was willing to work for it.  I am who I am today because of their love and support.

THANK YOU to my sisters who were forced to support me in everything I do, and now continue to do it willingly.  They have inspired me as I have watched what they have achieved and the women they have become.  Although I am the oldest, I have honestly always looked up to them.

THANK YOU to teachers and mentors that I have had along the way, from my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hansen, to my college mentor and friend, Dr. Floyd.  They have taught me the value of education and working hard and have inspired me to be a life-long learner.

THANK YOU to my friends who have brought fun into my life, amidst the hours and hours of studying.  When I think of my time in school, I not only think about the grades and the tests, but of the memories made with great friends.  I think of high school sleepovers at Laura's house and Starbucks breaks with Lauren and life-changing conversations with Natalie.  My journey would not have been as fun without you.

THANK YOU to everybody who has lifted up a prayer for me in my 28 years.  They are far too numerous to count, but I smile every time I thank of one of you and know that you have truly cared for me.  I have felt your prayers many times.  It is what has kept me going when I did not think I could.

And finally...THANK YOU to my husband of 6 years and the father of my soon-to-be born child.  I didn't really know what I needed in a life partner until God gave me Josh.  He has been nothing but encouraging of my seemingly endless schooling (I have been in school 5 out of 6 years of marriage), even though it has taken away from other things.  He has mostly been willing to pick up the slack of cleaning, cooking, and the other things that get pushed to the side when studying takes precedent.  He has reminded me over and over of why I entered this law school endeavor and has put big dreams in my heart for how God wants to use my giftings.  He has been truly unselfish as I have pursued my goals and for that I could not love him more.  Now, I'm looking forward to cooking for him and maybe even vacuuming every now and then :)

THANK YOU