Our parents shape our lives from infancy. They provide us with their genetic make up, our looks, our characteristics. They along with our other relatives raise us and teach us through out our life. It all starts there. I started life with my parents who were still kids themselves. Their relationship didn't work and I along with my sister ended up in the custody of my mother. It stayed that way until the end of my freshman year. Conflicts had been going on for a few years and during this particular year it was too much. I ended up being removed from her custody and placed in my dad's near the end of the year. I lived with a friend until the school year ended then I moved to Missouri.
Living with my dad was quite different. For starters, I now had two stable parents and two very young brothers. I realized my dad wasn't the super hero I had always dreamed him to be and being a 13 year old girl made it rather difficult to talk to him. Christy, my step-mom, reached out and we soon developed a strong bond. When I think of my mom, she is who I picture. She has been there for me through everything. I couldn't ask for a better mom.
I started my Sophomore year at Ray-Pec knowing no one. I ended up meeting Jake during one of my classes though. We became friends and since we were both catholic he introduced me to St. Sabina. I hadn't been to church in years and at first I wasn't interested in going for the right reasons. I just wanted to meet people and have fun. After our annual retreat, Search, things changed. I wanted to be there and I have been extremely involved ever since. This past year I directed Search. It was my favorite Search by far. That year I was searching to forgive my mother for everything and I was able to a few months later. Not to mention that I had a great team and I was able to share the weekend with my current best friend, Megan.
Friends are something else that shapes us. They show us who we are and who we can be. I've had some amazing friends since I've moved here. Brooke and her family (the Samsons) helped me expand on my faith. They are my spiritual family, since no one in my own house goes to church. Brooke is essentially my sister. We have known each other for 5 years now and we've been through a lot. She has witnessed all my ups and downs since I moved here. We don't always see eye to eye but somehow we find ways to always support each other. Brooke introduced me to Andrew. At times she wished she didn't. Andrew and I ended up dating and that relationship was an epic fail. We have repaired it and now we are good friends but it took a long time to get there. Through Andrew I met many people though. People I won't ever forget. Kristen and Megan are two of those people. When I met them I couldn't go further down. I was broken and had no where to go but up. Kristen started me on this. We talked most days and listened to each others difficulties. One day we were talking about her and I said numerous things that seemed to help her and that restored my faith. She helped me want to make a legit effort again. She is one of my closest friends today. Megan was different from everyone. During the Andrew era we never became friends or talked and then somehow things changed. We started talking periodically and soon it was all day, everyday. We confided in each other and always understood what the other one was going through. We always supported each other and had the best communication. She helped me take risks and reach out to people even when I was terrified. Her support and belief in me help me tremendously. She noticed how hard I had been trying and knew the person I wanted to be. Unfortunately, friendships dissolve and people grow apart and don't always cross paths again.
One other friend that influences my life is Krissy. She always is on my side even when I'm not. I met her during my first Search as a team member and we've been on two mission trips that have brought us closer together. Krissy makes me want to be a better person and a better role model. Her and I are able to goof around and dance in the rain all day and at the end of it have a serious conversation. She went away to college but so far that hasn't stopped our friendship. We still randomly call each other to provide some sunshine and a good laugh or serious talk. She always seems to brighten my day.
A novel can be written about the people that have changed our lives. Some people come to teach us a lesson, to introduce us to something new. Other are here for much longer. We can effect how much influence a person's gives us as well. If we are ready and willing to let people into our lives, into our hearts, they can change everything.
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