Many Thanks

Hey lovelies!

Happy Thanksgiving! So I know that not all of you celebrate this holiday, but I did want to take some time out today to just send out my thanks.

It’s been a pretty rough year, especially lately–personally and in society at large. A lot of us have had a rough year.

But I still have tons that I’m thankful for.

I’m thankful for my family. For them being so supportive and for allowing me to move up to Boston to fulfill my dream of becoming a librarian. I’m especially thankful for my parents.

For my mom, who is always a text or call away. She’s always reminding me of how awesome I am especially when I get in darker moods & she reminds me to keep moving forward. I’ve been really stressed lately and a bit homesick in my current situation and she’s been in my corner everyday. She’s also been taking care of my grandmother who has been suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease. I honestly don’t know how she does it on top of a full time job and giving me pep talks. She’s literally a superhero and I am so incredibly grateful for having her as my mother!

For my dad, who is always thinking of me. My dad might be a bit overprotective and sometimes a “hover” parent (which can get annoying at 25), but I appreciate how much he cares. He’s been going through a lot this year, but he still takes time to look after my kitties for me and send me a card in the mail. I sincerely appreciate that he cares so much for me and that we can bond over photography or watching sports or trying different beers. He’s had a rough few months and I’m so proud of him for staying strong and I’m just incredible grateful to have him!

I’m also really thankful for all my family who have been supportive in so many different ways and you know just for being family 🙂

Like every year, I’m also super thankful for my friends–both new and old. I’m thankful for my besties Heather & Nicole who I can call and chat with forever and hang out with whenever I’m back home. These two mean so much to me and I’m glad that I have them in my corner as well!

I’m also thankful for my gang of guy friends back home (Jeff, Dave & Jason) who never fail to make me smile or laugh!

I’m thankful for all the new friends I made up here in Boston, including Stephanie, Anna, Heather and Rachel. These girls have seriously made Boston a wonderful experience for me and I’m so happy I met them!

I’m also thankful for all the friends I’ve made in the past who have helped shape into the person I am today. I’m not always still in contact with you all, but I’m thankful that you were (and still are) a part of my life: Meghan, Quinn, Maureen, Cristina, Jenna, Chloe, Lindsay, Kressa, Pam, Julia, Heather, Jazz, Kara, Vinnie, Pat, Krista, & Ardenis.

This year in particular I’m thankful for the communities I’m a part of. I’m so thankful for my classmates who are open-minded and passionate about making our profession and the communities we service better. Thanks for being inspiring people and making my classes more dynamic and full of passion!

And to the book community, I’m so incredibly thankful for you all. I know we’ve had a bumpy year as well, but I’m so thankful for your passion and your empathy and your actions to make this community and our society a better place. I’m thankful that you encourage #ownvoices and #diversebooks and that you teach me things that I need to be taught and that you point me in the right direction when I’m wrong. I’m thankful that you support me and support all of the community both inside and outside of the book community. And I’m (of course) thankful that you all are always pointing me to a new book to read and fall in love with!

Yes, this year has been super rough, but I really have so much to be thankful for. I’m truly blessed.

So THANK YOU!

As always,

Happy Reading!