whats up whats up.

what's been going on:
hurst stores celebrating 65 years.
pictures to follow, as soon as i can find my cord.

what's been in my head:
lots.

what i can't wait for:
lake powell.

thoughts:
lately i've been thinking a lot about FRIENDS.
in two ways. what it is to be a friend, and how friends is really a title that is so restrictive on the people you're the closest with.
sometimes you think you have "a keeper" and you find out you're mistaken.
it may take you a month to "break up" as my dad would say, or years. then you're left wondering what happened.
but, sometimes you find friends in the most unlikely places.
and they can replace the friends you've lost throughout the years. eventually, they even seem like family.
i've grown up away from family all my life, it's just been me, my parents, and my siblings out in the midwest. but we're not alone. there's been some amazing people who have filled the holes our family couldn't from so far away.
in the nineteen years of my life i have been honored to meet the people i have. i've had great friends and family. i think it's killing me to be out here because i have so many friends i am still close with that i want to share experiences with. at the same time, i'm so greatful for the byu phase in my life, and they are filling holes as well. its funny how that works.

also weighing heavy on my heart and mind is my grandpa ross. today marks a year before i heard my grandpa's voice in person, saw his smile, felt his hug, and spent time with him. a perfect weekend, it was true grandpa ross style. he flew in on friday with grandma, jason, nicole, ethan, and chloe. helped with my graduation party. celebrated. saturday went to my graduation, listened to my speech, took some pictures. played golf with the boys. sunday church, and then a picnic in the park, along with some wiffle ball. it was perfect now that i think of those last memories.. the snow cone machine he paid for. my friends he met. playing golf in my community. working my ward family, who loves him too. then, playing the family game of baseball. and then we shared our last hug and goodbye exactly a month before we would lose him.
my uncle jared is engaged and tonight was a special night. he talked with my grandma about how they did an interview with his bishop, he got his temple recommend, etc. we talked about how bad we hope grandpa will be there. no matter what age you get married, every boy (or girl) deserves to have their dad there. anyways.
i just can't get that man out of my mind. i wish he was there. i wish he could of been there for the store's anniversary. i wish i could hear he was proud of me one last time.