A chance to redeem myself. . .

So graduation night came, I listened to my Dad's speech, and then it was my turn. There was SO much that I wanted to say, but for fear of completely losing it and gaining the reputation of "the cry baby", I simply failed and just kept saying how thankful I was for everything, over and over again.

I'm lame, I know.

Anyways, I figured I should take this chance to maybe say what I had originally wanted to share with all of those people whom I've known for most of my life. The moment may be gone for the majority of you, but for me, the awe is still there. So, without further ado, I give you the speech that should have been said.

I can't believe I made it!

I tried and tried for a long time to think of some sort of great and amazing speech to give today, but after thinking about it, I've decided to just wing it.

First off, one of the main reasons why I'm here today is my parents, so they should definitely be mentioned. I could do the typical "good child" thing and just give the basic, "they did everything for me and I love them" thing, but I'm not typical.

My parents have done MORE than everything for me. Not only have they raised and taken care of me, they've also loved, taught, encouraged, helped, and guided me. My dad, with his outgoing personality and unique sense of humor, my mom with our SUPER alike minds and tons of inside jokes, spending family days together making memories, getting advice when I needed it, being chauffeured around. . .they really are my everything, and the ones I try hardest to make proud. I love you both so, so much and I can't thank you enough. I won't ever be able to thank you enough.

I feel as though I need to thank a few of my closet friends, as well. The ones that make up "the gang". Tonya, you are one of the best gal pals I have ever had. I know that times change, and people too, but I love how we are always able to make it through those changes to still stay so close. Kirstin, we have had QUITE the roller coaster ride with our friendship. After getting over a few minor bumps though, I'm glad I can say that we're such great friends. Jesse, we got lucky. We're lucky that we can be siblings and still get along so awesome. If it weren't for you, my childhood just wouldn't have been as crazy. Same goes for Sam; Without you guys, my days would be without adventure. There's one more person that I guess I should mention, since I reckon he IS a pretty swell guy that deserves to be thanked. . .

Ryan. Gosh, we've been through a LOT. If someone had told me 5 years ago that we would be where we are today, I'd have just told them "Here's hoping!" I can't even think of how best to tell you how thankful I am for you. You really are an amazing guy, and I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of us ALL.

Of course, none of this could have been possible without the help of our amazing God, who for some reason decided we should be so lucky as to enjoy this time of celebration together. Now there's someone I REALLY can't thank enough!

Thank you everyone who made this all possible.

(there's no way i could have said any of that without totally exploding into a blubbering mass of salty tears)