Life

The old days

 A new day had come to the village of Rhineland. The sun was rising over the tall maple trees as I ran on the rough gravel road that runs through the small village where I, Emery, go for my usual morning run. It was 6:30 AM and quite warm for a September morning. As I rounded the corner I could see my two story house towering above the rest of the single level houses that sat around our yard. I lived in an old house that my parents renovated into a beautiful gem. Our 3 acre yard really makes it the best place around to live.

 As I turned onto the driveway, I looked at my phone and realized that I only had an hour till I had to be on the bus for school. I quickened my pace, thinking of the many things I had to do that morning before school. Shower, get dressed, do my hair, feed my dog and four cats, eat breakfast and make my lunch. My mind raced to figure out how I was going to fit it all into one hour.

 I rushed around frantically doing the many things on my list for that morning. I made it outside just in time to catch the bus. At least I'm not late for my first day of grade 10! I think to myself. Yes, it was the first day of school, sadly. I really wished it was still summer, because it means no schoolwork or mean teachers and of course no mean girls to ruin my days. I finally have a few friends from after working at bible camp this summer but they all live out in Winnipeg. The only way I can talk to them is through text or FaceTime. That's not super helpful during lunch hour at school though, I thought staring out the bus window.  

 I sat on the bus all alone. No one ever actually wanted to sit with me. I ended up listening to music and thinking for half an hour on the way to and from school. For most people this can be a good thing to do everyday just to sort out there thoughts, but for me, this is a really bad thing. It makes controlling and dealing with my anxiety and depression a lot harder.

 I arrived at school and walked to my usual spot near the back of the commons area. It had a small table that sits right next to the window a good spot to stay hidden away from people. I sat there and continued listening to my music. Buzz, buzz.

 Jessalyn

 Hey Em, how's it going?

 Good, I can talk to Jess now, I thought.

 Emery

 Hi Jess, I'm at school sitting by myself in the corner of the commons. So I guess it's going as good as it can when I'm at school. I typed.

 Jessalyn

 What are five things you're thankful for right now?

 I laughed to myself. I wasn't surprised that Jess asked me this question, it's our routine when one of us is having a bad day or just needs a bit of a boost emotionally.

 Emery

 I'm thankful for, I paused to think. This was always a struggle for me when I felt like this. I continued typing, my dog, for a beautiful morning to go running, new friends I found at camp, music and YOU.

 Jessalyn

 Does that help?

 Emery

 A bit, yeah

 Jessalyn

 What's your goal that you set for this year?

 Oh man! I had forgot about the challenge Jess gave!

 Emery

 I haven't made one yet😕

 Jessalyn

 I have an idea for it. This year you try to make two new friends.

 Emery

 I don't know

 Jessalyn

 I think you can do it. It's only one new friend per semester.

 Emery

 If you think I can do it I guess I'll try

 Jessalyn

 You can do it. Remember God's with you all the time. He'll help you and so will I.

 Emery

 Thanks😉 It's much appreciated

 Ring! The bell told me to get going to class.

 Emery

 I gotta go now Jess TTYL

 Jessalyn

 TTYL