Family

The greatest lesson I've learned this summer was the POWER OF A FAMILY. This last year I became a shell of myself. At one point, I couldn't even look people in the eye while speaking with them. I was lifeless. Who knew school would be so tough? Who knew the change into a bigger city and a new living situation would be so challenging? Who knew not having the support of the people you care about could have taken such a toll? Who knew that being isolated and alone amongst these changes would shut me down like it did? So, when the school year ended, I decided that I needed to replenish my spirit. I decided to travel, avoid summer school and put on hold finding work. I headed back to Portland as the first stop to my summer travels. It was the best decision I could've made for myself. 

Oddly enough, as I began to unload my woes to my loved ones, I slowly felt as if life was being put back into me. I could literally feel their energy refill the void I had inside of me. Gradually, as I started to be around the people I love and do the things I love, I began to regain my sense of self. I was able to get back to the things that CREATE ANDY. I surfed, danced, and traveled up and down the west cost to see friends and family. I just wanted to be around the people who love and care for me. From Portland all the way down to San Diego. 

It took a long time for me to feel back to my full self. No matter all the things I was doing, I still wasn't feeling completely there yet. Then one day as I was having lunch with my mother and my aunt, my mom tells my aunt to pull some money out. Mom starts explaining that she's been saving up for months and wanted to gift me some money so I could have a little fun and not work so hard. I tell you.... I began to welt up inside. My mom had inner demons that prevented her from being the mother I needed growing up. So coming from her, this gesture of love meant the world. My heart filled up so much that the love was overflowing and seeping out of my eyes.

After that lunch with my mom and aunt, I was so motivated. My cup of life was now filled. I was ready to go back and work towards my future goals. A future in which children are allowed the opportunities to actualized to their greatest self. However...

If I want to do great things in life I realize I first must start with a strong foundation. My own great family. 

One can go about their life alone just fine when the times are good. However, when the times are bad, having a solid and happy family gives you a place to run back to. A place you can re-energize and recharge. That home doesn't mean an actual physical building, but rather the concept, the individuals that make it a home. But those questions remain... "What makes a home and what keeps it?" The answer is found when I look back to all my failed past relationships, what went wrong between my parents, and what works between some of the life long happiest couples...

I realize that in life... I'm going to need my best friend by my side, where... when the going gets tough and if we lose everything, we don't lose ourselves. A life where it's a constant celebration and all we need is simply love, laughter, food and shelter. That's what I want my home to be...