tear ducts.

even though i considered having my tear ducts removed

because the water works wouldn't turn off all day.

and i could write about how my midterm didn't go well,

and about how i've missed matthew all day long,

or how i can't seem to get the image of a balloon out of my mind.

i could even write about how i forgot to switch my laundry over from washer to dryer,

and how i forgot to take my chapstick to school and my lips almost fell off,

or how i got stuck behind the coupon lady at walmart. again.

yes, those contributed to my smeared makeup and red eyes.

but the rest came early this morning when i sat in the temple,

and two sweet old men laid their hands on my head,

and confirmed me a member of the church for a girl named Abigail Tucker.

and when i sat on the back row of the chapel, 

and flipped open my scriptures, not knowing what I'd find,

and I turned right to 3 Nephi 11,

and i got to contemplate "One By One"

and pause to think about "The Light and the Life of the World."

and then as I sat in his tiny little living room filled with friends,

everyone grinning from ear to ear,

sitting next to the girl who knows me best,

listening to a brother bear testimony,

and a best friend read the words "You have been called to labor.."

and when i got a text from the girl with the most tender heart,

who just wanted to tell me she was thinking of me,

and that she was praying for me.

those are the tears that were welcome.

those are the ones that make me grateful for this day.

grateful for my tear ducts that allow me to feel,

to express emotion and let it all out.

grateful for good people and great friends.

and grateful for the gospel.

i AM grateful for this day.