The smell of burning wood, the warmth of the fire, the comfort of the soft yellow lights. There is nothing like home. For some of us, we haven’t completely felt the comfort of our family and home since we left for college. For me, eating home-cooked meals made me realize how much I missed them. Nothing could ever surpass the food that my mom makes. Even though we don’t really celebrate Thanksgiving, my mom made the best mashed potatoes and garlic bread I’ve ever had. As we ate the delicious meal and watched Netflix together in the family room, I had a sudden surge of gratitude. Maybe it’s because my first semester at college showed me how it felt to live without this comfort.
When I randomly told my mom, “thanks for everything you’ve done” as we watched a dramatic Netflix show, she looked at me weirdly and pretended to check my temperature as if I was sick. Intrigued by her reaction, I decided to do this to my brother as well. As he scrolled on his phone, I went up to him and repeated the same words. He looked up at me, said a “bruh,” and went back to scrolling. My dad had a better reaction as he basically told me, “About time you said those words.” Through these encounters, I’ve learned that no matter how grateful you may be, it is important to vocalize those words and share them with others. So, even though Thanksgiving is over and we are now back in school, I would like to carry forward this thankful spirit I feel as I write this piece and dedicate the rest of the two hundred or so words to people I am grateful for.
First, thank you to my parents for literally everything you’ve done. I genuinely feel happy and lucky to have parents like you who created a comforting environment in our home. Thank you for providing a space that I can always come back to and live in.
Next, thank you to my brother. I will rarely ever say this out loud but I’ve always admired your dedication to learning and knowledge. I thank you for always looking out for me and entertaining me. You may be extremely annoying at times, but you were the first person I missed when I went to college. (Name another sibling that will admit that).
Also, thank you to my extended family. To my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Thank you for supporting me, reading every one of my articles, and supporting my parents and brother. I know I can always depend on you guys for anything I need.
Finally, thank you to my friends. To my college buddies, thank you for always being there for, not only me but for each other. In a place without family, I feel lucky to have such a support system. To my high school friends, I cannot thank you enough for getting me through some of my toughest times. Thanks for listening to my rants and still supporting me to this day.
As the season continues and the smell of festivities hovers in the air, I want to proceed toward the end of my first semester with a thankful spirit. For those reading this, don’t hesitate to reach out to your loved ones and show your thanks (and yes, that includes your sibling if you have one).
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