Sometimes, life can suck.
Levity can quickly deteriorate into overwhelming inner sorrow within an instant. Happiness sometimes seems fleeting, although an occasional reality check is a good chance to grow as a person.
These events are far more tolerable if someone is there for you. Everyone needs a support system to make it through the lackluster and dreary moments in their lives.
They can make you laugh and smile or tell you that you can do anything you set your mind to.
My family is the best support system I could ask for, especially my mom. Her birthday is tomorrow, so I wanted to commemorate her affect on my life in today's column.
I'll be a good son and not reveal how old she is.
This past weekend, we had a fight. It is funny because we were never actually in the same room.
I am truly sorry for all that I said. I let my anger get the better of me.
The details are irrelevant. I think we both overreacted and misunderstood one another.
I am always so appreciative for all that she has done for my brothers and me, even though I never say it enough.
I never say thank you enough. I always fall short in that regard. My mom has deeply sacrificed for my brothers, and I could not be more grateful.
I am not entirely sure if there is voluminous vocabulary to properly explain my love for her. It dwarfs Mount Everest in Nepal and runs deeper than the Mariana Trench out in the Pacific Ocean.
My mom and I are incredibly similar in our personalities but typically diverge in our approaches to dealing with the mess life throws at us.
Her will is unmatched by anything I have observed. Her perseverance has allowed her the latitude to trump all obstacles.
Anyone inside or outside our family's circle would find her fortitude and achievements remarkable. I admire her iron will the most.
People who are close tend to have a clashing of words. We inadvertently or regrettably sometimes hurt each other's feelings. We say things we do not mean, things we wish could take back. It happens.
However, it has never gotten in the way of a tightly woven relationship.
The whole family happens to be high-strung, independent and full of adamant opinions on literally anything and everything.
It is astounding where debates head, and it always seems to be lightening round.
My family has gone to hell and back. The presence of rude remarks, while not exactly healthy, will not drive us apart.
I think most people need a solid rock in their lives; otherwise they are building their foundations on sand. You never know when the rains will come and wash away the house.
We all need someone who will confront us when we are wrong. Someone who will fight for us when we are right but honestly points out our flaws.
It is not out of duty or obligation. It is not out of compulsion or coercion. It is not born from the bosom of guilt. Sacrifice is the purest form of love.
Sacrifice means to cast off one's own self-interest to help another.
My mother, my brothers, my family and my closest friends have taught more than I have learned in any classroom.
They stick to you like glue, even if sometimes you do not think you personally deserve it.
Nicholas Butler is a journalism junior at UF. His column appears on Wednesdays.
