Things I wish I would have known at age 16

Today was an exciting day. I mean honestly, it was fantastic! It was Josh (my significant others') brother, Taylor's, graduation. OK, that was kind of confusing. Did you follow? Anyhow, we went and watched him walk, and cheered Taylor on as I fist pumped him. Yeah! You go boyfriend!
After this awesome gathering, Josh's family all got together for some celebrating. It was amazingly outrageous! We pulled out some family home videos, and laughed as we looked at the hot mullets the boys used to sport.
It's a shame those ever went out of style... ;-)  This gave me a chance to stop and witness how great the family really is. We didn't require materialist things to have a good time. Just being able to have each others company was perfect enough. (now remember this because I will come back to it later!)

Unfortunately what happened next brought me back to reality.  I received a call from my sixteen year old sister, who was in tears. It started out like this ".... Heidi, do you have time to talk with me..."  My sisterly instincts immediately kicked in. "Of course I do..."  We had a close conversation about someone (s) who chose to hurt her feelings. These someones were specifically boys. Oh how I love stupid boys. As she was explaining what was happening and what was being said to her; my own memories from being sixteen flooded my mind. I remembered what I was going through "when I was her age" and it was almost the same. As I tried to explain the fact that if these boys weren't treating her right blah blah blah not real friends blah blah I had a light bulb moment. I realized that after four years past my 16th birthday, I did not remember most of the boys last names of whom I had a "secret crush". I do however, remember being upset that what's his bucket didn't text me after we had a "flirting 2 second eye glance at each other" in front of my English teacher's classroom

Why in the WORLD did I let these boys I associated with, have so much power over my happiness? Why could I not realize that in a couple years, I would understand that even though " I thought he was the one" he really wasn't. Why did I not connect that my parents were REALLY on my side, and not trying to sabotage my "amazing social life". I longed as I talked to my sister that she could please understand this. I don't want her to shed as many tears that I did, for boys that treated me less than I was, or am now.

I know that I don't have a chance to be sixteen all over again, but my sister is living it now. So I dedicate this little blog to her, that she can know the things I know now.
1) Boys who don't treat you like the Daughter of God that you are, are not worth keeping around
2) Mom and Dad REALLY DO know what they are talking about :)
3) Instead of trying to build relationships with boys, focus on building relationships with your family. As I have grown up more, my sisters and brothers have become my best friends. Focus on them, and becoming closer to our Heavenly Father.


Lastly, I love my family. I love how blessed I am. I am grateful for the experiences I faced in high school, so now I can help my sister make it through them. Thank you.