The Hot Tub Writes Me Poetry

My family’s at a cabin right now, surrounded by snow mid April (Utah, everyone!) and the cabin we are renting has a hot tub. I’ve been stressed out of my mind, with finals in college and my portfolio coming up, but I came up to hang out with everyone anyway because I would rather die than avoid spending time with my family.

Anyway.

We spent time in the hot tub, right? I think everyone knows how quiet nighttime hot tub trips with people you adore goes; the evening starts out with jokes, a little splashing, appreciating the scenery. Then it ends with everyone sitting there staring into space like, “What does Heaven mean to you?”

That’s where the poetry comes in, I think. Not really poetry, but certainly a direct line to the universe stabbed straight into my spine.

The point being, I was sitting there and got teary-eyed and had to quickly splash water on my face to avoid killing the vibe. (It wouldn’t really, but you know how feelings are.)

The first thought that hit me as I sat there was just, I am so glad I never killed myself. Which is just…it’s a lesson I didn’t think I’d keep getting, but I’m glad I am.

I really like my family, guys.

There’s Mom: whose enthusiasm for life is contagious and whose dance moves are infectious. She’s so ready for a fun time and she is determined to make sure everyone has that fun with her. She’s my walking buddy, my confidant, one of my best friends, and easily one of the greatest people I’ll ever know.

There’s Dad: the guy who would do anything to keep his family safe and happy, and has. Who tanks horrible medical stuff and deals with crushing work deadlines just for the people he loves. He has a thousand funny stories and a million fun facts at a moment’s notice.

There’s Reese: with a voice that could shake mountains and a heart that could hold one. His greatest dream is to be an awesome dad and he is going to be so great. He’s all-in on anything he finds interesting, be it haunted wild west ghost towns or cabinets of wonders.

There’s Lucy: my built-in best buddy who has been there for every important moment in my life, and who without those moments would feel far less important. Her face is pure transparent joy and she has an infinite capacity to care about everyone. She’s so awesome and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

There’s Henry: always hoping to make everyone laugh, bursting with energy, and dealing with a hundred stupid medical things and still smiling like a champion.

(And of course, we can’t forget June.) A pure expression of gentle cuddles and mild confusion who just wants to hang out with the people she loves.

Man. I love them all so much.