Thanksgiving special

When I first made this blog, I very much wanted to use this newfound platform of mine to create an appreciation post for all those who would be viewing it, as well as any others whom I had found needing of appreciation. This thought occurred to me a little over a week ago, and I figured that the idea's proximity to a holiday centered around this exact premise meant that I should just wait for the day itself to give my thanks to you all. So without further ado, may I present the first Eli's Epic Thanksgiving Special Appreciation Extravaganza. 

There's a lot I want to say here, so apologies if this is kind of roundabout or if I kind of just jolt from one idea to another (I'm not gonna try not to name names so this will be somewhat general, but it applies to everyone). The second and final apology would be for any cliché language, but I'm not sure how derivative this will be, and regardless all that I'm gonna write will come from the heart, so I would hope we can all read it sincerely.

I guess the way I would like to start would be to say that, in many, many ways, any single person is a culmination of the people who they surround themselves with. Thus, to all my friends, I owe the highest order of thanks. I don't think of myself as perfect (or near that, for the record), but I think the thing that I love about you guys is that, in our time spend together, you've given me opportunities to grow. Some of you I've grown with more than others (simply based on the duration of our acquaintanceship), but I can say definitively that I've changed in positive ways from my relationships with every single one of you. Change is really hard sometimes, which leads me to my next point: I could not be surrounded by a more supportive, caring group of people. Genuinely, my life is made so much easier by the support I receive from you all, and though I may not get to say it enough, I am so so so appreciative of any time spent helping Eli out with anything. Seriously, thank you so much. It goes without saying that I’m here for you all anytime, anywhere, for anything. Obviously there’s many more things to say, as you are all incredible humans, but for brevity’s sake, I’ll make just one more point: you are all incredibly fun to be around. Not only do I appreciate your kindness and support, but I do cherish the time we all spend together. You are able to make any moment special, and I’ve made countless memories with you all that would not have been possible with anyone else. You are all wonderful, and let there be not a moment where you think otherwise. 

Next, I’d have to thank my parents. You guys fucking rock. You have been so incredibly supportive of me my entire life, and no amount of writing could express how grateful I am for how much love you have showed me each and everyday. I’m sorry that I may not be able to write too much more in this section without doing individual shoutouts. I know I said I wouldn’t, so these will hopefully be brief (but not too brief). Mom, you’re such an incredible role model to have, I admire everyday how adamantly you hold onto your beliefs, and how every single day you live to make the world a better place. Dad, you’ve been my main creative outlet for years and years now, and I thank you so much for instilling in me the belief that any idea of mine is worth pursuing. To both of you, thank you so much for your emotional support throughout the years, I couldn’t have asked for better people to help me out with any and all struggles I’ve encountered. I love you guys.

To my grandparents, you guys are all incredible people to look up to. Like legitimately, it is such a great honor to be descended from you guys, and it is you guys who I owe my deepest, deepest gratitude. I’m incredibly proud to be your grandson and daily aspire to make you all just as proud of me. I’m sorry I’m not in touch with you all more often, but I promise that your impact on my life does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. 

To the rest of my family, y’all are all awesome, and it’s been amazing to have you all be a part of my life. Sorry I can’t put too much more, but I am at the dinner table and a little pressed for time. You’re all amazing, and I’m blessed to have you all as a part of my journey.

Have an amazing Thanksgiving everyone, you’re all awesome, and I’m incredibly grateful for you all. 

P.S. Shoutout to nature, which I think I often take for granted but I am extremely appreciative of for existing (+a photo of a hike I went on on Monday)