The Incast

Last Saturday was the second time I left Tuscaloosa all semester, not counting a trip to Birmingham in January. I spent the week in the Smoky Mountains with my mom, little brother, big sister, and nephew. It was the first time I had seen my mom all semester except for half an hour at the beginning of February. Being with my family again was definitely interesting.

My family annoys me like no one else can. My mom is a little bit anxious and paranoid, traits which she passed on to my sister. My nephew can be incredibly whiny, and my little brother is twelve. Enough said. After spending the last couple of months almost exclusively with people my own age, it was a little bit of a culture shock, oddly enough.

But there are many wonderful things about my family. One thing I loved about them this week is something I never noticed. My family members are quick to give unexpected yet totally sincere compliments. One day we were having a picnic, and my mom was talking about not judging other people. Then she says, “Right Briana?” I had no idea what she meant, so my eloquent response was, “Huh?” She went on to talk about my compassion, and how hard I try not to judge anyone. It was just lovely and surprising and completely heartwarming. A couple days later, we were walking into our cabin, and my sister started talking about how nice and athletic-looking my legs are. I don’t know if it’s the same way for guys, but moments like those two can have a huge impact on a girl.

My mother and sister - and the rest of my ragtag gang of family members - have so much love in their hearts that it spills over all the time. They are kind, compassionate, helpful, sincere, truthful, and very, very loving. I love them so much and am very grateful for the example they have always provided for me.

As for the Smokies themselves, I would definitely recommend them to anyone. God truly knew what he was doing when he created places like that, and the National Parks system has preserved the area so we can all partake in that breathtaking beauty.

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A piece of glass

Is made beautiful warm

Fragile by the glassblower

Then he can twist it

Into a gnarled tree

Smash it into useless glitter

That hurts only itself

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