It has been 7 months since I wrote on this blog. That is too long! I am finally having some time to sit down and write. This is because I had knee surgery on December 10th. I had an ACL and meniscus repair. Not the ideal way of spending Christmas Break but I am excited to heal and rest for 6 weeks. To make a long story short, when we went skiing last December I initially hurt my knee and then continued on assuming I just twisted it or something. In August, I reinjured it while dancing and had to wait 16 weeks to have surgery. My sweet parents are taking great care of me thus far but it has only been 3 days. I have really enjoyed this past semester. I am halfway through my junior year and I will be 21 in less than two weeks and that just doesn’t seem right.

     This past semester has been one of the best of my life. While there are obviously days that are hard, my friends really came together and we had the best semester together. It has been so sweet full of good memories, laughter, and some tears both joyful and sad. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have really met the people who will be the aunts to my children, the bridesmaids in my wedding, the girls who will help me move into future homes, get jobs, and just overall be my people forever. They are the sweetest, kindest, most loyal, and most hardworking people I have ever met. I am constantly in awe of their success and drives. My parents have adopted my friends into our family like they have been here all along. I never thought that I would have friends like my friends from high school. The best part about college has been staying close with high school friends while adding to my friend group with my friends from college, having some mix together along the way. I also met a boy and he makes me really happy. Being in a relationship is different and new but I am learning every day.

     While academics are hard, I took some classes this semester that I really loved and I had some teachers who really made me love to learn in a new way. I have three semesters left of college and then I am off into the real world and I just have no idea with what I want to do with my life. I am still a journalism major and if anyone has any suggestions on what I need to do with my life that isn’t a news anchor or writing for a newspaper, I am open for suggestions!

     I have seen so many people talk about how 2018 was the worst year for them. I could not quite tell you what it is about this year that made it so special but what I do know is I am ending this year with a grateful heart. Healthy family, amazing friends, decent grades, and so many other things to be grateful for. I have been so blessed by so many people and I feel like I really found my place in this world. I am looking forward to these next few days spending it with family and admiring all the blessings around me.

Hopefully, in my time of recovery, I will be more tempted to pick up my computer and type. For now, I say Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night…or morning, or afternoon or whenever you’re reading this.

XOXO, Emma Rose

PS, Here are just like 100 something pictures of some of my favorite memories! They aren’t in any order but just look through if you’re feeling bored!