Dearest Utah

My dear sweet Utah,

What an amazing three weeks you've given me. You always will be my home away from home and I will always be grateful for my summers spent with you. Utah, you teach me a lot every single time I'm with you, and this year you've given me much to be thankful for. You have taught me that family is never that far away. You have taught me that life in itself gives great challenges, but those challenges make me stronger. You have taught me that one of my most favorite things is seeing my grandparents hold hands while walking together. You have taught me that the mountains are the most beautiful place in the world. You have taught me that the stars are so much brighter when you are actually looking for them. You have taught me how much I am blessed to have such amazing friends back home. You have taught me that it's okay not to look your best every day. You have taught me that Law & Order: SVU is a slight addiction shared by my cousins and myself. You have taught me how to laugh when I feel like crying. You have taught me that there is calmness in being able to breathe. You have taught me that my family is the greatest family on earth. You have taught me that my grandpa's stories will never get old. You have taught me that the food in grandma's fridge is almost always old, but there will always be goodies in the storage room. You have taught me that Rachel and Carly are growing up and this will probably be the last summer before our lives change from being kids, to being adults. You have taught me that the creation of life is most precious and that my cousin Amy will make the most beautiful mother. You have taught me that when I am at a low point in my life, that's when family steps in the most. You have taught me that love does exist and that Alisen will make a most fabulous addition to our family. You have taught me that families are forever. Most importantly Utah, you have taught me that I am strong and I can make it through. My life is just beginning and being surrounded by people who love me is the greatest blessing.