I moved out of my parent’s house for University when I was 17, and when I was 21 I took that honors degree and moved across the country with my boyfriend. I have gotten many comments about my situation, some good some bad. I get the whole “You are too young to be living with your boyfriend,” and I often get “Wow, you are so young and so adventurous.” I often agree with both sentiments.
There is one reason that I have been able to have the wonderful adventures I have had in my life – support from my family and close friends. I know I am biased, but I think I have the best friends and family around. Throughout my whole life, and I know my sisters can say the same for themselves (and probably will in the comments), I have felt nothing but unconditional love from my family (including my sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts, cousins, uncles) and as an adult, from my three best girlfriends.
I was talking to best friend/often-mistaken-for-a-sister Stef tonight, and she put it really well – “I love hanging out with your family, it is like a burst of unconditional love.” I love that line, and I love the thought. The love I get from my family makes my heart smile, gives me the energy to keep on keepin’ on, and gives me the motivation to be the best person I can be.
So, to my family and to my friends, thank you. Thank you for encouraging me to leave, for teaching me how to be a good person, for making me laugh and smile, and for always being there for me when I need you (and when I don’t need you). You have all helped me to discover who I am, and because of your help, I really like that person I can call me.
Dude. I moved across the country by MYSELF at 21. It’s certainly better to have someone.
I don’t give in to those “You’re to young to ____” statements. Which is good, because it makes it that much easier to defy them.
.-= Elle Bee´s last blog .. =-.
awww wow… thats so beautiful.
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I feel obligated: I have felt nothing but unconditional love from my family. haha but it’s true! <3
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..A Thank You =-.
We gave you the wings and the love, and you flew with it!
Thought about you and Lauren sooo much this weekend. The fair was not the same without you two.
That is so great!! Isn’t it a wonderful feeling! I was in a situation in my life where I needed help from my family and friends and they were all there behind me, supporting me through the toughest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. I too have the best family and friends in the world.
Love to you, my extended family niece.
I went to grade school with your mom and Jen my daughter mentioned you girls have a blog so once in a while I read it. You sound so much like Jen that was so well written We also tried to provide lots of love with a lot of encouragement to try many things. Have a good week
Helen
Leah that was beautiful!
I feel the same with my family, I dont know where I would be without them.
I always remember the saying ” parents must give their children two things: roots and wings. Give them roots to keep them grounded through tough times. Give them wings to soar above everything, explore new worlds and fly farther than we ever did. ”
And I think yours did a great job with that!
Perhaps I’m biased, but I do believe that we have pretty much the best family ever. It sounds a little strange to people sometimes, but all you have to do is walk into our homes to be considered family as I see it. After you’re here once, you are always welcome (and always welcome home from across the country, though you do provide a great reason to travel!).
I adore the phrase “burst of unconditional love” that is so great that you have that support system. It really does make all the difference.
I moved randomly to London when I was 19 (year ago), and even tho I am back in my homecountry now (Norway), moving away for a bit was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself, and I would do it tomorrow again if I had the money..
You’re lucky to have such an awesome family, not everyone gets the support they should get from their family, you know
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