The F Words :: The American Critic

The F Words

by mikea
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Filed under: Philosophy & Religion

Judging by the title you would believe that I am writing about that four letter word that every single 18-24 year old that I know, will use every single day. WRONG. I am talking about family and friends. I am thankful for each and every one of my friends I have had, even the ones who I dont talk to now, who basically are now more like acquaintances. They each meant something to me; because I believe every person you meet makes you who you are.

Everyone needs friends, no matter how many there are. I guess the quality over quantity rule does apply here. Friends and family should just be lumped into the same word, because at one point or another, your friends become your family. For example, I have a friend whose family looks upon me as one of their own. It is fun just to walk in the door not having to knock or anything knowing you are welcomed at all times, and everything in the fridge is fair game. Also, that there is spot for me at their dinner table whenever I want.

People need to have friends of different sexes and age; I think you learn more about life that way. Side bar; no matter what most guys say, most girls they are friends with, they want to sleep with. Its sad but true. Curse that damn thing called the friend zone you women have created. Every one of my friends I love dearly and would do anything for. And if you dont, put your hand to your chest and see if youre heart is still beating, if not, please consult a doctor. I love them, I truly do. No matter how smart, dull, dumb, hot, sexy, awesome, tall, short, blonde, brunette, black haired, tattooed, or funny they are. They all have had an effect on me at one time or another, and have each taught me something, and hopefully I have taught them.

Lets back up a bit. July 30th 2007, I up and moved to Florida from the mitten state (thats Michigan to all our geography majors) leaving all my family and friends behind. Why? I honestly have no idea. Maybe because I wanted to see how much I have touched these peoples lives, or maybe, because I am an idiot. But when I got to the sunshine state I realized I moved to get on with my life, and hopefully they will too. Its hard to leave the life you lead, to live the life youll live. I hope I didnt steal that line from someone because I really dont feel like getting sued. But when I left I realized that I was the glue that held my group of friends together. As self centered as it may seem, I was the proverbial king of them. It saddens me to see that none of them really talk to each other anymore. I have to work to keep them together. But thats life I guess.

Thats why I love family the most, they are always there. I am so thankful that my moms side of the family live so close to each other. It made life so much easier. I wont use names in this, but there are memories between one family member and I will never forget. It was the late night meals, talks, the drives to nowhere, listening to music, and wasting gas. Those moments I feel are what made me who I am, and for that I love them dearly. We experienced life so much through each other; it pains me not to see them everyday anymore. I wont go into detail because we would get into some trouble.

Now I love each and every one of my family members the same. I feel family members keep you sane but sometimes make you go insane. Yes it does make sense, well to me it does and that is all the matters. Lets say you were famous and going home for the holidays, to your family, youre still the same person you have always been. They keep you grounded. There are special unique people in your family. All the cousins who are cool, the aunts who love you, the uncles who would give you beer when your dad wasnt looking, and the grandparents who are the reason youre alive. Because if it wasnt for them, we would never have gotten to do anything. No first steps, first words, basically no first anythings. You should always listen to your elders; they know way more shit than we do. My grandfather always tells me stories and I listen, not because they are good, but because I HAVE to. I owe him that You should never want to do something, you should HAVE to.