Family matters

Published 12/05/2016​

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Like every other college student, I planned to get a lot of work done over Thanksgiving break. I had a test the Monday after break and a project due that Friday. I also had another test to start studying for, as well as a project and a paper coming up. I knew it would be impossible for me to do all of these assignments over the break, but I made several of them my top priorities. I believed that, if I worked every day of the break except Thanksgiving, I could get them all done.

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However, when I finally got home, I realized I could not get to work right away. I packed two weeks’ accumulation of laundry only to come home to a broken washing machine. Fortunately, there is a laundromat about 10 minutes away from my house. I knew if I really wanted to get started on work my dad would do my laundry for me, but I did not want to put that burden on him.

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The Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving, I joined my dad in going to the laundromat. Jokingly, I told him that this was no better than doing laundry in Lambeth. In reality, it was better. I did not have to climb up and down several flights of stairs or carry my laundry very far. More importantly, I was able to spend some time with my dad. I do not talk to him as often as I do to my mom while at school, so I looked forward to catching up.

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Throwing the clothes and towels in the washers and dryers, my dad and I talked about many topics, from the election to music. Though we did not agree on everything, I appreciated how he allowed me to share my opinions without arguing or having hard feelings. He also treated me to Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and — like always — cracked a lot of jokes. Being with him not only made doing laundry more enjoyable but also made me glad I had pushed my homework aside for a few hours.

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The next day was Thanksgiving. While this is a day reserved to spend time with family, I was tempted to bring along the work I did not get to finish the day before. Nevertheless, I decided to keep my work at home this time, and I am glad I did. By saving my work for later, I was able to be fully present with my family. I not only talked to family members I had not seen in a little while, but I also played games, watched a movie and did the mannequin challenge with my cousins and younger brother. I later went Black Friday shopping with my family, ending the night on a good note.

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On the actual Black Friday, I went shopping again, this time with my mom. Though I initially wanted to stay home and finally put a dent in my work, I knew my mom would really appreciate the company, especially since she was going to pick up the shoes I picked out online. Like on Thanksgiving, I am now happy I decided to do my work later that day. I not only got some new clothes and things for my apartment but also was able to help my mom find an outfit and hang out with her for a few hours. We later went to Starbucks and picked up dinner for everyone, making the trip even more enjoyable.

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Eating dinner with my dad and brother once we returned home, I realized how much I missed these moments with my family. Though I get to see them at least once every month, I do not truly get to have family moments like I did before college. The time I spent with them over Thanksgiving break ultimately reminded me to not push these moments aside. Homework can be done later, but time with family is not something I can get back.

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Therefore, I look forward to taking full advantage of being with my family over winter break. From eating meals with them to simply asking about their days, I hope to show them they truly do matter to me.

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