Graduation Day

Today had to come at some point. After 190 days of being by my side, my parents went back to Illinois. Over the last months, people have commented on how lucky I am to have great parents. They don't even know the half of it. My parents are incredible. Selfless. Thoughtful. Caring. I could go on. All they've done for months is think about ways to make my life better. Re-organize my closet, my pantry, my kitchen. A 3M hook here. A floor-protecting felt pad there. Countless trips to the container store to optimize the re-organization. Practice getting in and out of the car. Trips to Mayo to get me back into the zone. I mean, it's incredible. I can't begin to describe how grateful I am, because it wont do it justice. But they've sacrificed for 190 days. Now it's time for them to get back to the normalcy of their lives, their friendships, and their routine at home in Illinois. I'm happy for them. And thankful for all they've done to get me to where I am today.

There's no doubt this is scary. (For all of us.) If I forgot something and was in bed, I could ask them to get it for me. Dinner was easily solved for me (thanks mom!). The coffee was made in the morning (thanks, dad...though I wish you'd learn how to make pour-over). I probably don't even know half of what they did. But I'll figure it out quickly when I try this whole complete independence thing.

I'm also grateful for the opportunity to have some alone time. I've spent one night alone in 192 days. One night. I'm pretty extroverted ... but this has been a challenge for everyone. I'm excited, but I'm nervous about doing some things that I haven't frequently done. And I have no doubt that I will fall. I also know that I have incredible friends who are near by and who will be here in a heartbeat. Tonight I'm full of gratitude.

On to the next phase....