how is it that the days always seem to drag on and on and on in the middle of something. but when you look back on a time period of your life, it seems to have passed you right by.
why this phenomenon still takes me by surprise is ridiculous. I've experienced this before. When I graduated high school, after my first year away at college, when I returned home from studying abroad, when I walked the stage and added the letters B.S. behind my name, when I celebrated my nephews and nieces birthdays, when I moved back from living out of state. In fact, I've felt this feeling when one season fades to the next and when my birthday comes and goes each year. but like all of those other moments in life, i'm taken by surprise how quickly my years in graduate school went. three years ago, i packed my things and took a long road trip back to WI. I bought pencils and binders and paper. I mentally prepared for the long trek that would be my final years of formal education. And here it is...graduation weekend!!! I've daydreamed about this day, probably for the majority of my high school and college years. Probably mostly during the 4 hour lectures or all night study sessions and mental breakdowns. But....we made it! And I say we because man oh man was this a team effort.
My reason for writing this is to remember. In a month or a year or 10 years when I'm busy with life cause...life be busy...I want to remember how I feel today. Days before I scoot across the stage and celebrate with my friends and family another life event. I want to remember how grateful I feel for a family who supports me and friends who encourage me. I quite literally would never ever ever have made it this far in my education (or my life) if it weren't for such a supportive and loving crew to back me up. So yes, we made it. Cause "I" means nothing. I did the studying, sure, but I could never have done that without these people.
The adults in my life: parents, mostly. but closely followed by aunts, uncles, and grandparents. i have some really amazing adults that have literally helped keep me alive for the past 3 years. they've fed me, they've housed me when i've needed it (and when I had no A/C in the middle of WI summers), they've made sure i have a phone to use and a car to drive, they've listened to me cry, and they've made me laugh. they've calmed me when coffee fried my computer during finals week. they've given me advice. and told me "it's all going to be ok." even when it really felt like it just never would be. they are amazing. there is no better way to put it. they are my rock. and i love them. mucho mucho.
The kids in my life: a little innocence really keeps the soul young. and it also keeps the graduate student sane. lots of thanks to my little loves for giving me an outlet for my silliness and some extra hearts to love. thank goodness for cute babies.
That one sister I have: we probably drive each other crazy about as much as we don't. but in the end, i can always count on her to have my back. grad school was no different. she cheered me on and always told me "you're going to do fine!" when I was freaking out about a big exam. she was right. shes always right. maybe I can start listening to her now. then again..maybe not;) she wavers between one of those adults I've mentioned and one of the friends I will mention. she should get some props for the meals and comfy beds she's given me. and also for listening to me babble about all things that stress me. thanks sis! :)
The high school friends, the cousin-friends and those I've met along the way: there's something to be said for friends who stick with you through tough times. it's safe to say I'm the luckiest to have found the friends I call my bests. the time between 16 and 26 isn't all rainbows and butterflies. much to our surprise. there's a lot of growing up that happens. and it's not easy. in fact, its really really hard. what makes it easy is the people. i'm feeling luckier by the day to have grown up with the people i have. and to have met many along the way. thanks for sticking with me through it all. you guys know who you are, even though there isn't pictures to show your pretty faces:)
The grad school friends: I haven't known these people forever, but it sure feels like it by now. I would not want to imagine my grad school experience without these people. that pretty much says it all. from slap happy study sessions to endless hours at coffee shops to celebratory nights out, we've stuck together. we've not only experienced grad school things (test passing and test failing and studying, lots of studying and lots of tears), but we've always been a support through real life events (births and deaths, engagements and marriages, moving across the country and then moving back again). i'm forever blessed to have met them. they have inspired me to be a better physical therapist and a better human. 
And coffee...I'm pretty grateful for coffee too.
Happy graduation week to my fellow Doctors in Physical Therapy...and to all of our family and friends too! It's been a long road...a bumpy and winding and s
