We do not always realize all the lasts in our lives. Lasts can be certain things like turning in your final high school English paper or tutoring in the math lab.

When I ponder about my lasts, unknown lasts come to mind.  For example, Mellow Mushroom closed only two weeks after I went. I did not know about my favorite pizza place's closure. I then regretted not ordering the Spinach and Artichoke dip because of my diet. Had I known the restaurant was closing I would have ordered two dips.

I have experienced unknown lasts that have signified growth throughout my life. When I was in the 7th grade my best friend had her annual birthday sleepover. A little park near her house gave off the impression of abandonment. The other girls and I walked over to the park towards sundown and to tell scary stories. Keep in mind middle school girls were not known for being the bravest people in the world. A light gust of wind moved the rusty swings back and forth. Fear was an understatement. Adrenaline rushed through my body allowing me to run faster than Usain Bolt. Theoretically speaking.

Now I wish I would have stayed in the park and investigate the noise. Would I have known that was the last time I could be an immature pre-teen girl, I would have taken advantage of the night.

However, this experience signifies my growth as a woman. I do not find happiness in going to a sleepover, but I find joy in spending time with my friends. I look back on that night and think about what I should have done, not the fun we had. I realize making memories with my friends and develop relationships is a necessary part of growing.

Other lasts in my life have been more emotional like the last time I went to my house in Mississippi. During the summer we would go to the yacht club, beach, boating, or hang out with our Mississippi friends. My extended family would go to the family home every weekend. Although I was young, I still remember playing dolls with my cousin in the giant screened porch. My house in Mississippi was my happy place. If I would have known Hurricane Katrina could steal my home away from me, I would have played dolls one more time on the porch.

Had I known that that was that last summer where everything was consistent, slow, and old-fashioned I would have cherished the moments more. As far as I know, that summer was the last time my family all got along. The adults may argue otherwise, but I was not aware of any conflict before the hurricane. My increased value in family signifies my growth as a young adult. I cherish the moments all my family comes together and have a good time.

Lasts are significant changes in our lives whether we are aware of them or not. These lasts can nominal or life-changing, but they all teach a lesson.

The lesson lasts teach us is to always be grateful even if there seems to be nothing grateful for. I am grateful for all my lasts in my life. Whether they be certain or not I have grown from every experience. So the next time you think about something you did for the last time ask yourself, what you can be grateful and how you can grow from this moment? Gratitude has made lasts for me less bitter and more sweet.