For the fifteen years I had lived in Florida, I was totally oblivious to everything I had. Only until I was torn away from it all did I realize how much everything really meant to me. Through this quick journey in time, I will be discussing how moving to Colorado has affected my family, friendships and myself. While reading, please keep in mind that these are my views and ideals on specific topics and are not intended to offend anyone.

My family had talked about moving away from Florida for many years. We had come close to moving on several occasions, but it never happened. That is why, once it had occurred, it caused great pain and disbelief. I can still picture that day in my mind as clearly as when it had happened. It was Wednesday, February sixteenth. I was getting ready for school when the phone rang and I watched as my mother�s face turned a glowing pink. Happiness filled her eyes. She announced that the job was final. We were actually going to move. My parents had made plans in advance if this had ever occurred so they were ready to take action and do what they had to do. My father was to stay in Florida until he found renters for our home and ended his teaching year at Teague Middle School. My siblings and I were to get withdrawal forms signed on this day, and be prepared to end our place at our current Florida schools. This caused friction between everyone in our family; each of us had our own opinions on the big move. My sister must have taken it the hardest. She was very comfortable with the way her life was and saw no need for change. She even threatened to run away if we actually went through with the move. My brother and I were excited about the change. Not until I had my withdrawal form completed, and my locker emptied, did I realize what I was actually leaving behind.

Once I had realized what was actually happening, emotions hit me hard. I felt as if a one ton weight had been dropped onto my heart. The very second my best friend Danielle confronted me about the move, I burst into tears. For the rest of that day I spent my time crying and trying to tell myself that this was for the best and that everything was going to be alright. With every word of empathy from friends, my heart sank lower and I felt sick to my stomach. Ten years of relationship built with best of friends seemed as if it was disappearing right before my eyes. It was actually happening. As soon as I got home from school, I had to pack my things and put them into the truck. Many friends came by that night to help me out with my final packing and to bid their good byes. As hours past I started to come to my senses and think about how this could be a change for the better. I started to think about the problems of our neighborhood, and how we would benefit from my mother getting this promotion. We had lived in the small town of Lockhart, a dead society of Orlando. Lockhart hadn�t always been a slum, but as the years progressed, it continually worsened. My family and I had dealt with the Ku Klux Klan and cocaine addicts for as much as we could stand. My sister had been a witness to a cocaine deal and was threatened on a daily basis. It was time to get out.

Only when it was time to start my �new beginning�, did I realize how hard it was going to be to let go. I finally saw how much the people and events in my life meant to me and realized what all I had taken for granted. I had everything right there for me but never took advantage of the situation. I began to hate myself for being so na�ve and felt terrible about the way I had been living my life. My friends took this as hard as I did. We made promises to appreciate what we have from then on. Memories, pictures, and scrapbooks are the remains of friendships that have impacted my life so greatly. When I think about the phrase �friends forever� today, I get the full meaning of it. No matter how far apart or unreachable they may be, or seem, friends are forever. I will always have the mental notes of years past and these will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Even though it may seem like life is perfect and lived to the fullest, one will never really know what they have until it is gone. Friendships and family are the most important aspects in my life today. I just hope that people can learn from what I have experienced and understand my point of view. If everyone were to sit and think about what their true values are, I think there would be many changes taking place. Living here in Colorado is not hell. That may seem to be what is portrayed in this story, but it is my new beginning, a second chance for my family, and especially, a chance for me to grow and make the right decisions in life. I now know what all I had missed in past friendships and will do whatever it takes to make sure nothing is taken for granted.