After the much-anticipated end of a most challenging semester (my sixth: WEIRD) arrived, I seized the opportunity to cross something off of my bucket list. That's right: I had a Lord of the Rings -Extended Edition- Marathon!!!! Indeed, I sat through the whole 12 hours of Peter Jackson genius! It was a time of great feasting, gut-bursting laughter, and an immense amount of nostalgia. Let this be a shout-out to my wonderful roommates and friends who make my life not only endurable, but enjoyable as well.
I left Rexburg the next day, ready to be home. However, my journey took me to an unexpectedly pleasant place in Utah before I could nestle into the trees and other green things of Ohio. I stayed with my Grandma's cousin's family (which makes them my second cousins, and their daughter my second cousin once removed-it's complicated) and had a gloriously relaxing time. I walked their dog through a cemetery, which I found to be delightful and not creepy in the slightest, made delicious food, including an Easter feast complete with apple pie, and, get this, sat down and just breathed! Easter Sunday started off on a wonderful note, as I got to go to the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City to watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The Orchestra at Temple Square film an episode of Music and the Spoken Word :) Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Elder Richard G. Scott were there as well, and it was incredible to know that I was in the presence of God's Prophet and one of his Apostles! My heart burned with feelings of love and celebration as I remembered Christ's sacrifice and his glorious resurrection. It was here that I also realized that it is the nature of the world to be small. As the orchestra was tuning, I noticed that my clarinet professor was performing! A smile crept onto my face as I remembered my interaction with Brother Holman--the many things he taught me, and the many smiles he put on my face. That man gave me confidence where I had none, and helped me realize my learning potential. It was great seeing him again, and I marveled at the coincidence that I would see him at such a random moment. As we left for church later that day, I saw another person that has impacted my life more than they know. Three years ago, I went to a week-long youth program called Especially for Youth in Nauvoo, Illinois. During that week, I met wonderful people and grew in confidence and kindness. I owe much of my joy to the counselors that led my group. I saw them as my heroes more so than mentors, but I also thought of them as friends. My thoughts were far from EFY during the church meetings when I noticed a girl that looked strikingly familiar. However, I couldn't connect her face to a memory until we were preparing to leave. I saw her again and I had the epiphany that she was my EFY counselor! Suddenly becoming uncharacteristically shy, I fought with myself about whether or not I should talk to her. She had meant so much to me, but I was worried that she wouldn't remember who I was. I guess I couldn't handle the disappointment. However, I gathered some courage and said 'Hello'. She nearly instantly recognized me and the reunion was grand :) I had obviously worried for nothing, as she gave me a huge hug and we effortlessly settled into easy conversation about our lives over the past three years.
With my travels coming to an end, I lamented having to leave so many friends in the West, but I was glad to be back with my family. But I also knew that when I stepped off the plane I would not be coming back to the same people, or even to the same house. My brother D.J., for example, is threatening to be taller than me, and my sister Kenna is turning into a young lady. I found myself sleeping in a new home that somewhat resembles the Weasley's "Burrow," and I am faced with unnumbered decisions that will change the course of my life forever. . . Needless to say, I'm kind of freaking out about it. The future seems dark and unknown, but I know that this seemingly aphotic universe contains a glimmer of light for each of us. Mine might be an encouraging word from a good friend and yours might be the chorus from a Beatles song, but the light is there, just as the stars are in the night sky.
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