Growing Up

            As I grow up, I'm learning to never take anything for granted and that it's the little things that mean the most. This probably sounds cheesy right now, but bear with me. At the time, you take all those family dinners filled with laughter, smiles, and love for granted, but you're going to miss them when they no longer happen very often. I never knew that every fishing day with my dad would mean the most to me. It was always a great day no matter how many we caught. Being able to spend time with him was enough for me to be content. I already miss the times when me sister would check me out of school just to go get our nails done or to go shopping. Good times. This is my last year before I go off to college and I know I'm going to miss Saturday morning breakfasts with my parents. What do you do Saturday mornings without mom's gravy and the smell of dad's coffee? Knowing that those Saturday mornings are going to be rare makes me sad. I think I'm going to miss my dad the most. He's the only person who knows how to make me smile on the worst of days and can make me laugh till I cry. I'm going to miss him asking how my day was everyday after school, him always telling me that he believes in me, and hearing that “I love you” before he leaves for work. Those are the moments that I hate losing. I've also learned that growing up sounds great until you see the bills that come with it. Growing up doesn't sound so great now, does it? Enjoy mom and dad paying for everything because you're defiantly going to miss that. As time goes on, these little moments become more and more scarce, and I'm holding on to them for as long as I can. I appreciate them so much more now.

                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                    -Samantha Lyles