On an hour of sleep, I brushed my teeth and packed up a few more items. Saying goodbye to my mom, sister, and dad was the hardest part. I've never been without them for more than a month and realizing that I'll be without them for much longer hit me harder than I expected. As I sat there hugging and kissing my mom goodbye or as I would like to say 'see you later', tears streamed down my face. My mom is the most caring hardworking person I know; Of course everyone says that about there moms but this is so true. She's so strong and unconditionally loving and to know that I won't have her with me 24/7 telling me to do my laundry, asking me what I want for dinner, & eating lunch with her was so hard to take in. I told her I loved her as she said "I tried to stay strong!" and gave her one more kiss!
My sister was sitting right next to my mom and I did not want to say goodbye to her! My sister is the true rock that holds our family together! She's hesitant to show emotions but so considerate and caring for others, especially for me! I hugged her so tightly as she said "Its just a mini-vacation; you'll be back soon" and tears streamed down again. My sister is exactly what a big sister should be but ten times better! She gives me amazing advice, tells me the honest truth like when I'm being stupid or simply what shirt I should wear. She's guided me through high school and through my first year of college and without her I wouldn't of gotten through college as good as I did. She's there when I need her and I am going to miss our trips to target, our inside jokes, never ending laughs and the many shopping sprees!
My dad and I left for Los Angeles, California July 31st 2011; 6 days after my 19th birthday. Stopped in Arizona for the night and continued on our journey. Finally Made it to California on August 1st, got my first tank of "california gas" for $4.20 a gallon and showed up to our hotel. My dad and I spent the most time together and made sure to "Live our Lives" as I like to say. For the 3 days my dad was here;
We stopped by my agency (L.A. Models) so I could sign my contract, get my portfolio, and my keys to the model apartment. We headed to Venice beach, bought sunglasses, walked the beach/boardwalk, and checked out the skaters doing tricks. On the 2nd day we took an interesting trip to Crenshaw to go to Wal-Mart turned out Crenshaw was a little to cool for us so we went to target instead, Picked up a few needs for the apartment and then road to Hollywood where we experienced a Jazz festival, all the Stars and Chinese Theatre. The last day with my dad was the hardest, we went to Griddle to grab breakfast and then head to my very first casting for Michael Stars, moved in the rest of my things to my apartment and head to the airport. Thank God his flight was delayed for 3 hours because I was no where near ready to say bye to the man who's protected me my whole life, taught me discipline, guided me through every job i've had to drive to and loved me unconditionally. (I wouldn't have such a strong head on my shoulders if it wasn't for him) So as we left the airport we decided to grab lunch at a nearby mall, where we also met Sean Marion the player for Dallas Mavericks. Boy were we glad to have those 3 hours, not only to have met Sean but to just spend that time together.
Driving back to the airport felt way more real, this time he was actually leaving...We sat in front of security just waiting that last few minutes, I gave my dad the longest and biggest hug and just rested my head on his shoulder, as tears fell down I said "This is so hard, but remember its just like I'm leaving for camp , I'll be back" I looked at him and saw tears fall down his cheek and gave him one more hug as we both said "I love you!"
Watched him go up the escalator as I blew kisses to him. I didn't want to leave, because this time I knew I was on my own and had no one by my side telling me where to go, helping me find my way, buying me dinner, no one to give goodnight hugs/kisses to... no one but myself.
I know this California Journey is going to be one tough path but I also know that it's going to make me strong and independent. The feeling I have is a mix between bittersweet, scared, yet excited all at the same time. I know God is right beside me this whole way and guiding me into different obstacles to test my strength and faith in him. I know that I'll have days where I'll miss my family but I am so happy that they are also there by my side supporting me. This journey may be tough but I know with the help of God, family and friends, I'll be able to persevere...
Romans 5:2-5 Peace & Joy
" ...We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
