It’s always been really sad to me that people tend to oftentimes forget that every person we meet is precious. Each and every individual connection we make with another person is unique and special. We sometimes tend to get so wrapped up in all of the trivial things life throws at us that we forget to appreciate the people in our lives. We forget that it’s possible that tomorrow, they could be gone. It’s vital to cherish each interaction you have with the people in your circle. If you love someone, tell them. If you have something positive to say to someone, tell them. You might not have the chance to tell them tomorrow. I almost left this life. There was a small period in time when my loved ones did not know if I would survive. The only information they received was that I was in a terrible boating accident and that I was unresponsive. As soon as word got out, everyone was worried. All of my loved ones were heart broken to hear such a traumatic thing happened to me. All of my loved ones were praying for me and sending positive thoughts my way. They didn’t know if they would have tomorrow to tell me they loved me.

This entire ordeal has made me realize how many lives I’ve actually touched. While I was in the hospital, I received so many beautiful cards, donations, well-wishes, prayers, gifts, and flowers. The nurses and doctors would joke about my room smelling like a floral shop. I was the talk of the town in the hospital- they could all see I was a very special person based on how many bouquets of flowers crowded my room and by how many cards sat on my windowsill. To give you a good idea of how many flowers were crammed in that hospital room…I had so many, it took my mom and grandma multiples trips to the car to take them all home. All I could do was cry at how kind people were (and are). How so many people came together to make sure I was okay. It amazed me at how many lives I touched so much that it was incredibly overwhelming and humbling. I realized how loved I actually am. My entire heart melted every time a nurse would turn the corner with a little special surprise for me. My heart continues to melt every time I have a little card, gift, or donation waiting in my mailbox. My heart is so incredibly full with the love I have received during this extremely difficult life tragedy. It really reminded me how of how powerful it is to show kindness to everyone you meet. It reminded me of how important it is to let the people you care about know how much you love them. Showing kindness and love to the people in your life can move mountains. Showing kindness and love has a ripple effect on the people around you.

My family was especially supportive during this time. Every single member of my family stepped up in some way to let me know they love me and support me. I am so incredibly lucky to have such a strong family unit. Even if sometimes we say or do things to each other we regret and even if we don’t always see eye-to-eye– we manage to remember that we love each other dearly and would do anything for each other. I would not have been able to get through ANY of this if I wouldn’t have had my family there with me. I made it through my hospital stay in high spirits because of visits from my cousin Miranda, my mother, and my grandmother. I made it through my hospital stay because of phone calls and FaceTime chats with my family members. I made it through my hospital stay because of the thoughtful cards and gifts I’d receive from my family. My family is, and always will be, my rock.

I will forever be grateful to my friends– old and new– who have reached out and have been there for me in some way. I wouldn’t have had the strength I do without them. Whether it was a donation, gift, or silly text/call, my friends have been amazing supports to me. I will forever be grateful to my best friend, Liz, for sending me daily cards, gifts, and calls during my hospital stay. She then put her entire life on hold to be here for me and to be a friend to me. She kept me in high spirits and kept me distracted from the hurt and pain my injuries have caused. I could write a whole post about my home girl, and I probably will, but I wanted to mention how lucky I am to have her in my life. My childhood best friend made me many sweet, heart-filled cards, and sent me a tray of chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels one day in the hospital when I REALLY needed it. My Wolfpack is coming down during a second wave of pandemic craziness to sip mimosas and make Thai food in my apartment with me. I could go on and on about how amazing all of my friends have been and continue to be. I love them all so dearly and am so fortunate to have had so many incredible connections for such a long time. My friends are what keep me grounded.

I can’t put into words the gratitude I have for everyone who has reached out to me in some small way. Every little gift I received I have used with love. I’ve snuggled with many stuffed animals and blankets. I’ve sprayed my hair with multitudes of dry shampoo because a shower was not always something I could do. I colored in many different coloring books with many different coloring utensils. I’ve vacuumed my entire apartment without struggle. I’ve washed my face and used facial masks. I’ve eaten A LOT of chocolate and salty treats. I’ve read pages to many engaging books. I’ve worn jewelry to accent every outfit. I’ve hung cards up on the wall, cried (happy tears) over beautiful words written to me, and I’ve marveled at the kindness that has been shown to me. I’ve remained so positive BECAUSE of the love I have received. The support I have standing behind me, willing to lend a helping hand when I need it the most, is what has helped propel me forwards.

To my family, new and old friends, co-workers, and to my amazing community– I truly mean it, from the core of the Earth to the ends of the universe, thank you for everything. My birthday wish is that the kindness you have shown me is returned back to you tenfold.

Here is the video I received put together by my cousin, Johnny. I just want everyone who participated in this to know– every time I watch it I UGLY CRY! I’m talking snot dripping down my face, tears streaming my cheeks, mouth wide open kind of crying. This is so precious and beautiful. I LOVE AND CHERISH YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!

The crazy thing about the people in your life…. you are loved whether you are reminded everyday or not. Cherish the people in your life like you’d lose them tomorrow. They are what give you strength, keep you grounded, and help you through hard times.