In the spirit of thanksgiving last week, I have been reflecting on what I am thankful for. Here are just 26 things from my 26 years, I am thankful for…

A – Andrew. My rocket-scientist brother. For showing me how to dream big and for going for it.

B – Beaches. My toes in the sand, the sun on my face…

C – Colombia. Columbia. Columbia (University). All of the Colo/umbias in my life.

D – Dad. For never judging any of my decisions and supporting me in every move. For your constant love. For your knowledge you share with me.

E – Earth. That we are here. That we have a place to live on. A home. It takes care of us, and we tend to it.

F – Family. For your unconditional love and support. No matter what.

G – Good friends. And since “F” was for family. So “G” is for good friends. Those to are there in thick and thin. Who call just to say hi. Who you haven’t seen in years, but when you see them it is as if no time has passed.

H – Happiness. The ability to feel happy. To share happiness with others.

I – Ice cream. And lots of other deserts. Gosh darn, that sweet tooth…

J – Jane Eyre. For being the first book in school that I thoroughly enjoyed. For teaching me that reading classics shouldn’t be such a torturous task, but an enlightening one.

K – Katie. My wonderful sister. For showing me how to be the best friend and human I can be, with the biggest heart and warmest smile.

L – Love. Love that I can give. Love that I can receive. Love that is all around.

M – Mom. For sometimes “not telling me what to do…”. For your strive for “perfection”. For your motherly love.

N – Novels. Stories that I can dive into and that become a part of me. That I can learn from. That I can cherish.

O – Omas and Opas (grandmas and grandpas). For teaching me about life and love. How life changes. How family changes. How you change. And what we can do.

P – Potatoes. Still my favorite food. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Q – Queso. Cheese. Well, really am more thankful for knowing Spanish to be able to communicate with new friends and a Colombian family.

R – Running. My two legs, moving, fast or slow. Feeling alive.

S – Santi. My boyfriend, roommate, soul mate, not enough words to describe person.

T – Travel. To see the world. To learn about new cultures. To appreciate new things in new places.

U – Universities. To teach us. To learn. To understand new things.

V – Voss Camp. For the 3 days all members of the Voss family can enjoy spending time together. Where some athletics are typically involved, hence the “camp”.

W – Writing. Words. The ability to share thoughts.

X – x’s and o’s. Greeting you hello. Saying goodbye. Hugging. Kissing. Feeling.

Y – You. You are special. I appreciate you.

Z – Zip. A code in the US, where I can get hand-written mail again.

Thank you for everyone who has touched my life. Thank you for everything.