Goodbyes Are Not the End

I was one of those high school students that loved high school and everything about it. I played sports, hung out with friends, was involved in different clubs, got good grades and being a senior kept me busy planning for what I was going to do in the year ahead. I was lucky to not only have one good group of friends but I hung out with multiple groups and whenever I had free time we always found something to occupy it. I loved my life.

In January I got a little glimpse of how things were going to be in the next year but still didn't realize it then. My older brother, best friend, 'go-to' and biggest example in my life started a new chapter in his life and headed to Budapest Hungary to serve a 2 year LDS mission. I was so proud of his decision to serve as he had courage and faith to take on what was going to come for him.

Little did I know that was just the beginning of 'goodbyes' waiting to take place. I finished out my senior year and as the softball season came to an end I had to leave such a great program full of amazing people. I was blessed to be able to play for one of the best softball programs in the state. I had to say goodbye to coaches who had turned me into a player better then when I started, families I had learned to love and count on as much as my own, and girls that I would never have the chance to play with again. They became like sisters I've never had.
After softball came graduation, a bittersweet day filled with a whole new set of goodbyes. As someone who loved high school, this was hard for me. I knew I wouldn't see a lot of these kids again after this day. From growing up with a lot of them or meeting them for the first time in high school, I was apart of one of the best classes to come out of Spanish Fork High School. (In my opinion, of course ;)

I had one of the funnest summers I can remember. I stayed out late, lived in the sun, met new people and spent all the time I could with a real cute boy....:) Just like any other summer it came and went way too fast. I got all packed up and ready to start something new, more school and softball at Snow College. It wasn't far from home at all but still meant I was moving out and had to say goodbye to my family. Even with the thought of being able to see them often, it was hard to leave my parents that have provided me with everything. I couldn't have asked for a better duo to teach me what life is all about. They were there for the ups and downs, the heartaches and the joys, the tears and the cheers. I love my mom and dad more than anything. Of course I can't forget my little brother either, we've become closer than ever over the last year and i'm grateful for such a fun kid to always hang out with.

I've learned more throughout my first year of college than I ever thought I would. I had some of the funnest times with a brand new team, making memories i'll always remember. While I was meeting a lot of new friends, I was saying goodbye to a lot more at home. Friend after friend left to serve the Lord.

Brooke, Canada.

Jessica, California.

Kadee, Texas.

Sara, South Dakota.

Sierra, Tennessee. 

Kaiden, Ecuador.

As hard as this year might have been, I wouldn't change it for anything. I've learned and I've grown through the 'goodbyes' I've had to make. Through the new life I had to take on and leaving what once was everything I was use to. Each and everyone of these friends have helped me to become a better me as they better themselves. I'm grateful for the gospel in my life that's a constant while everything around me changes. I'm blessed with a life full of opportunities to live my dreams and succeed in what makes me happy. But most of all, I'm grateful that goodbyes are not the end.