Thankful

chalkboard/frame via

This past year has held huge change for me.  Since last Thanksgiving, I quit my job in London, got engaged, moved back to the States, accepted a job in DC, adopted Charlie, and resigned from the job in DC.  All of the ups and downs have really highlighted the amazing people who have been here for me along the way, and I want to take a minute today to thank a few of them - and you.

There’s so much to acknowledge here, but right now I want to say thank you for giving me the freedom to be transatlantic.  We first visited England together when I was 11, and you encouraged me to go abroad as often as I could through high school and college.  When I told you I’d been accepted to a graduate program in London, you barely blinked – though Mom and I both cried saying goodbye at the airport.  You supported me when I decided to move back to England to be with Jon, and you graciously understood when I told you that we wanted to get married in Suffolk.  I wouldn't be embarking on this next chapter of my life if you hadn't championed my adventures and lent me your trust and strength. I love you.

Before my four-year anniversary with Jon, I posted him a parcel of his favorite American junk food.  I told you that he had requested Combos, and you texted back, "That's my brother-in-law! What flavor will you be sending?"  Your text made me cry because I'd never heard you call Jon that and it was so sweet.  And then it made me a little nauseous because Combos are disgusting and the last thing I wanted to think about was whether to get jalapeño cheddar or pepperoni pizza.  And then it made me laugh because that's a totally valid question, and it means that you're practical and romantic at the same time and that you want me to be happy and that's what I want for you too and so it's probably a good thing that we're sisters.

I know that the amount of personal information I share on this blog makes you uncomfortable, so I'll keep this short and sweet: thank you for always having my best interests at heart. Thank you for pushing when I need a push and understanding that, when I push back, it's because I know you'll steer me in the right direction through sheer force of love and momentum.

You've been here for a few days now, so you've heard all of this already - but I'm going to say it again. Thank you for your limitless patience and unending love, thank you for seeing beyond our struggles with the geographical distance and for focusing on the joy of connecting in any way we can whenever we can; thank you for reminding me that natural is glamorous and simple is sexy, thank you for taking me in both good and bad states and somehow averaging them out to see the best woman possible.  I love you with all of my soul.

You've only been in my life for three months, but you've already taught me so much.  Because you of, I see the delight rather than the duty in running, the contentment rather than the guilt of a mid-morning nap, and the pleasure rather than the discomfort of being squished by someone who loves you.  You are my babyfaced sweetie pie, Charlemagne, and you have stolen my heart.

It's amazing, you know, to come to my blog and find messages of love and support and encouragement from all over the globe - my mother couldn't quite believe that your comments on Thursday were flying in from South Africa, Norway, England, France, and every corner of the United States.  I'm beyond touched by the relationships I've built through blogging, and I'm grateful to each and every one of you for your unfailing company as I've navigated this year.  And I'm thankful, too, for my friends in real life, who are too often neglected on this blog.  Whether from school, college, or graduate school, Washington, New York, or London - you have been unwavering in your love and enthusiasm for every adventure I have embarked upon, and I couldn't have been as brave (if I have been brave) without your constant friendship.  Thank you.