A collection of photos, made by the app “Collageable”, captures Print Junior Copy Editor Andrew Caldwell’s past year. Upon much reflection on his life, Caldwell gives thanks to all who have impacted him. Photos by Andrew Caldwell, Susan Caldwell, Mark Caldwell, Kiki Griffin, Julie Alpaugh, Zoe Peterson, Andrea Aramburo, Mark Johnson and fair use of adele.com.
By ANDREW CALDWELL – Print Junior Copy Editor
This Thanksgiving has called for Print Junior Copy Editor Andrew Caldwell, a sophomore, to reflect on the past year, and give thanks to those who have impacted his life.
At the end of every “O: The Oprah Magazine”, there is a column titled “What do you know for sure?”.
I have been reading these columns since I was a little boy, each time more and more fascinated with the idea of knowing something is absolutely certain. Even today, I ponder over how one can possibly know something is definitely true or definitely false.
But if there is one thing I do know for sure, it’s that the more life that I live, the more appreciative I become.
I could easily list a million things I am thankful for: my friends, my family, my health and safety, my faith, Adele, my dashing good looks.
That last one was a joke.
So instead of boring you with the cliché sentiments one hears every Thanksgiving, I wish to look at my year, my life through a different lens.
In many ways, my life is easy. I have a place to call home. I have clothes on my back. I have clean water to drink. I have food on my table. I have a family who loves and supports me. And I have a free education.
I am very fortunate.
That is why I am most thankful for those who have the strength, courage and bravery to fight through their tumultuous times, even when there seems to be nothing good left in the world.
One year ago, I lost someone whom I held incredibly dear to my heart.
Five years ago, my mom was diagnosed with an incurable illness known as multiple sclerosis.
Ten years ago, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Fifteen years I have been alive, and not a day has gone by where I do not reflect on these moments in my life.
Through these hard times, I have come to be grateful for the pain and tears I have endured, as they have taught me the importance of appreciating every single second I have with the people I love.
Through these hard times, I have grown more and more gratuitous of the good, the bad and the ugly.
It’s the things we think are little that are most crucial. To celebrate and give thanks is, in itself, something to be thankful about.
And whether it’s the ability to read, an A in a class or an internet connection, I have learned to not take anything in my life for granted.
I am thankful for the decisions I have made, even the ones I regret.
I am thankful for the laughter and the smiles I have been able to share with those around me.
I am thankful for my teachers and the opportunities I am given every day to tell the stories I find most compelling.
I am thankful for the time I am given each day to spend with those I love.
I am thankful for art and the freedom to use my imagination, which has opened doors for me I didn’t even know existed.
I am thankful for the sunrises and sunsets, that remind me of my mother, who brightens my life beyond measure.
Today, in this moment, I am thankful for the little things. I appreciate the little things.
I am forever thankful for this day, this stage in my life where I am able to live both freely and happily.
