My Friends Are My Family

As some of you may know, I moved away from home when I was 13. Yup, that's right!

My family had just moved and I wasn't totally stoked about it. Don't get me wrong, there were some really cool things that came from it. Like living close to my Grandparents, meeting new friends, and getting to pick out a comforter for my new bedroom! But overall, I was pretty sad to leave the only home I ever knew. As a result, I didn't really feel at home in our new house and was excited to hear about a High School where I could move away and plant my own roots.

So, at 13, I packed up my things and moved into a boarding school. I knew I was pumped but I didn't anticipate the home sickness that would overtake me. Every night I would cry myself to sleep missing my family. The classes were so hard, the food was different, and I only knew 1 kid in my whole class. Talk about being out of your comfort zone. I am not going to lie, it was really humbling. But if I had the chance to do it again, I would 100 times over. It was truly such a blessing. It is at this High School that I made some of my closest friends and met my husband!

We just celebrated the Fourth of July, 2019! And it was a very special holiday. Matt and I had a couple of our High School friends over and it felt like old times. The bond that was created in our High School years has carried over into our adult lives and I feel like we are family. Because we all moved in together at such young, vulnerable ages, we have a unique understanding of each other. When I would cry because I missed home, it was my friends that huddled together to make me feel better. When I had a bad break up, it was my friends that would sit in the hallways by me and give me self confidence. When dinner from the cafeteria was disgusting, it was my friends that would share their boxed cereal. When there was a test the next day and I was going to fail, it was my friends that made me a study guide. My friends grew up with me and helped me through it all. They know my heart and I know theirs and that comfort is something that I will cherish forever.

After spending some time with my friends, I am feeling refreshed and ready to get back into the swing of life. Sometimes, you just need to take a break from your regular schedule and spend some time with those who know you best. It will do wonders for your soul! <3

"There are friends. There is family. And then there are friends that become family." - Anonymous

Love,

Valorie G