Today one of my best friends is coming home after serving a two year mission. I am so incredibly proud of him. It got me thinking about what these past two years have meant to me and to be honest, they have been the greatest years of my life. In the past two years I have:
- Lived in 4 different states (6 cities)
- Attended 3 Different Universities (Eastern, Disney,Utah Valley)
- Changed my major twice (Nutrition and Creative Writing)
- Gotten in a major car accident
- Had two surgeries
- Completed an internship
- Worked a full-time job
- Drove 6 different cars
- Had 2 Driver's licenses from different states
- Fell in love
- Had my heart broken
- Made friends from across the globe
- Made at least 20 road-trips
- Had my best friend get married
- Had my grandpa Die
- Had about 10 different hairstyles
- Groomed my dog
- Had 4 new cousins born
- Read at least 50 books
I've also learned a few lessons on the way. Such as:
- How to drive a Stick Shift
- My family will always love me, no matter what
- "No Man is an Island." (Sorry Hugh)
- People are just as confused as I am
- Music is essential for life
- Faith and love are the two most important things in the world
- Long distance can have absolutely no effect on true friendships
- Your sisters can also be your best Friends.
Now I am back in Utah, some may say even where I started in the first place. But they would be wrong. These two years have been the hardest of my life. I've experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. In the past two years I've lived more than I ever have in my entire life, and I will be eternally grateful for the experiences I've had. I can't wait to see what the next two years are going to bring, I'm determined to make them better than the last.
So welcome back Elder Hawker. I've missed my rock-climbing, Shark Week Watching, Golden Spoon eating friend.
We're going to have LOTS to talk about.