There are too many things to be thankful for. My glorious life, my feelings, the people that surround me and change me, the experiences I gain, and so much more. Writing this makes me anxious because I wish I could thank every person I have encountered, but that would be an endless list, and instead, I will only be thanking those who I have significant and timely interactions with. 

First and foremost, WHAT I am thankful for. 

I’m thankful for traveling, I’m thankful for dance, and I’m thankful for the time I am given. I’m thankful for the material objects I get or am given to myself, I’m thankful for the food I enjoy, and I’m thankful for my health and abilities. I’m thankful for my dog the most; I’m thankful for my empathy and probably much more that doesn’t come to mind at the moment. 

To my parents,

Mom, you are my best friend, beyond anyone or anything else. You push me so hard and help me get to the goals I set for myself or those that are set for me, and although I make that job difficult, I am so proud that you care and help. I know I’ve been all over the place and haven’t fixed my issues the way I should and could, but I promise I am trying, and your patience and hard work are inspiring. You have always put me and Gavin first, and that is the most selfless thing you could do. You spend so much time, energy, and money on us when you don’t need to, but you have always worked to give us the best life, and you definitely do. You always make me laugh, and I know I can tell you everything and anything. You have the warmest hugs, and I know how caring you are even when you’re tired, upset, or sad. You always let that shine through. There’s so much more I can’t put into words, but basically, thank you.

Dad, I know I give you a hard time for a lot of things, but no matter what, I love you through all your faults or mistakes because everything you do is great, and you’re the reason I smile all the time. You’ve always taught me to laugh through the pain, making jokes at inappropriate times but healing wounds we sometimes didn’t know were there. You’re the strongest person I know, and I know there’s so much you’ve seen and experienced that I am not aware of, which makes me even prouder of your strength. I know I give you a run for your money and forget to close the front door a lot, but I love you and our time together. I know I can come to you and have long talks with a sound of reason while also validating my thoughts and, of course, making me laugh along the way. I love you so much, and thanks for being the best dad I could ever imagine in any world and a sick firefighter, too.

To my brother,

Gavin, sometimes I can’t stand you and wish you would just listen and be quiet, but I really am so lucky to have you as my sibling. Even if it comes with a tad bit of force, you always end up going along with the plans I come up with. You are really funny, especially when we’re both delirious in the kitchen, and one of us ends up on the floor from laughter. I love watching you play hockey, and I know how much you doubt yourself, but you’re so much better than you give yourself credit for, and I will always be your biggest fan, but silently compared to Mom. You are such a teddy bear of a person but hidden behind the body of a teenage boy. You are always thinking about everyone else and are such a sweet person. Thank you for everything.

To my dance friends, 

Kendall, I don’t even remember not being friends with you, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. I can’t even put into words what it’s like. You’re so stunning and are literally my inspiration for how I want to live my life. You’re so funny, not always at the best of times when I start laughing in the middle of ballet, but still, I love your humor. Being with you means I’m automatically in a good mood. I know I can tell you anything, and you can balance my quiet self out perfectly. Thank you for being my best friend. 

Lauren, I think you’re the sweetest soul. I don’t know if you like this, but you’re like the mom of our friends in the best way. You’re serious when you need to be but also have the brightest laugh and smile. I feel like we’ve become so much closer, and I am so thankful. You are just such an infectious person of happiness, and you are just so sweet.

Ellie, you are like a light in my life. You are funny in a down-to-earth and very real way. I know you can always be such a validating voice but also challenging and help me see other sides of the story. I am so proud of you for choosing to start a new path for yourself with dance, and I know that great things are coming for you. I’ll always be watching and cheering you on, even if we aren’t at the same competitions or at the same studio. I love you.

To my Grandma,

It is such a blessing to be as close to you as I am. I love that I can call you simply to say I miss you and can talk to you for hours about just about anything. I know that in any situation, you always give me a sense of comfort and safety that only you can get. You care so much about everyone, always, even if we’re walking through a grocery store. You have always been such a good role model, giving everyone a chance and making sure that everyone has their spotlight moment and is given the appropriate care and love. There is so much more I could never put into words, but I’m so lucky to have grown up around you and be so comfortable with anything.

To sixth hour TCT,

This class is probably the reason I get through the day. Coming to this class and being able to write, talk, and laugh is such a relief to the rest of my classes. Although sometimes my stories may be late, everyone is supportive when I have a bad day or have a headache or if I’m so excited about my brand-new clothes. Ella, I could probably write a page all about how much I adore being around you. You are such an infectious and caring person, and I value every moment I spend with you. Addie, I know our friendship is far back when I got three or four years ago today on Snapchat that are probably quite annoying. I love having classes with you and knowing you always have my back and can help me. You are such a supportive person while also being hilarious, of course. Micah, oh, how I love you. I basically met you for real this year, but I feel like I’ve always been friends with you. Your talent is insane in so many ways, and you are such an amazing person. I’m awed when I hear about all that you do and accomplish. Alex, thank you for giving me your extra Chick-fil-A or your spare coins for cookies from the library. You are so caring, and you are always one of the first to ask me if I’m okay if I come into class not bubbly. I love just talking with you. I could talk for hours on end, and I know you will always listen. Rowan, you are just a stunning person. I don’t know if you hear it enough, but your appearance, your caring personality, your writing, your humor, and all of the other parts. I’m so happy that you stayed in TCT, and I know that great things are coming for you. Nova, I have loved getting to know you better this semester. You are so passionate about everything you do while also being compassionate and considerate of other people. And finally, Mr. George, I am so happy that you got the chance to replace your dad. I think you filled the role very well, and you are so funny and can help me whenever I need it.

To more friends,

I wish I could thank everyone, including one of my friends, but I know that is impossible, so here are a few extra thanks. Lexi, I don’t think, I know your laugh is infectious. I am never in a bad mood around you, and it is a good thing because we are together a lot. I am so happy we are at a point where we both know we can tell everything and anything, and I hope you know I’m always here and supporting you. Aubrey, I can’t even begin how happy I am that we became close again because of the lake. Although we may not have the same classes or be together all the time, some of my favorite times are when we are hanging out, whether it’s at the lake or your house when our parents are together after a football game or whenever they appear together. Allory, I have decided you are the most gentle, caring, warm-hearted person I have ever met. I don’t know how any person you encounter wouldn’t like you because you are just amazing and kind in so many ways. If I could be one person other than myself, it would be you for so many reasons I could never list them all. Ashley, I feel like you are just family as well, whether you like it or not. You are so funny but also down to earth, and also just the most talented person I think I know. I love spending time with you, and I hate that you’re in Massachusetts, but I am so proud of all that you have and will achieve.

To the rest, 

I have for sure missed so many people, and I am sorry, but this is where I am ending my 2024 Countless Thanks. There truly are countless people to thank, but I just hope everyone knows how much I care for them being in my life. Lilah, Josie, Evelyn, Charlotte, Stella, Lydia, Annabelle, Mariah, Jamie, Elle, Mila, Madeline, Isabelle, Vanessa, Brody, Gabby, Macy, Sammy, my teachers, my coaches, all my family, Dance team, Studio, family friends, and everyone else. Thank you for being there for me to laugh, talk to, gossip, and more. Most importantly, thank you for being the people who shaped me and helped me grow and gain new experiences and lessons along the way.

Until next year, the last countless thanks, thank you.