Megan -- GREAT to hear from you! I have missed seeing your posts lately but understand how busy senior year is. College will be even more hectic but lots of fun too! I actually took several classes through Columbia College when I was in Orlando. They had an extension through the Navy base there.
That was a long time ago though. Glad to hear things are going ok with your folks. I understand the back surgery questions. I did have surgery on mine but it was not an end to my problems. I had the disk above and below my fusion almost immediately herniate. In fact the surgery I just had on my elbow for ulnar nerve entrapment may actually have been caused by my continued back problems. Weird! Don't want to turn this into my health post so back to your family. Glad to hear your brother went into the Army. I actually think a stint in the Armed Forces is a great idea for almost all young people. I went in the Navy thinking for a short period but wound up staying 22 years! Loved it, not every day, but every year.
My oldest son also went Navy -- he's a LT in Va. Beach, VA.
I would love to add you to my FB friends. I was a late FB joiner but have loved it for a way to stay in touch. All my relatives are on there and being able to share pics of the kids is great! I'll send you a PM. Hope you keep checking in from time to time -- you have always been my favorite teen YT member, so wise beyond your years!