Everyone transitions to college at different times. Some people can’t wait to leave home, and some drop out to go back to where their use to. I come from a very close family. They are the people I have the most fun with, tell everything to, and the only people I fully trust with everything. I am loving college and adjusting easily. I have an awesome roommate, succeeding in classes, and already flooding with blessings, but there is one piece of the puzzle that’s missing from my heart.

I was ready to leave for school. Everyone knew I wasn’t meant to stay in town right away. Freeport is a big part of my life, but I needed to grow as a person. I went from being the big fish in a small pond, to swallowing too much water in a place I wasn’t used to. I made it work and fell in love with the school and all it has to offer for me and my future. Every day I struggle with missing my family they are all parts of me that I can’t live without.

My dad is my legs, without him, I wouldn’t be able to stand up for myself. I wouldn’t be able to push forward, and keep walking even when things don’t go as planned. I wouldn’t be able to create my own path and go along the trail that my heart and my

God desires. Sometimes we don't always see eye to eye, back bonebut at the end of the day he is my best friend. I don’t know what I would do without my strong, powerful, hard-working, Dad.

My mom is my hands. They are warm, and sometimes cold. They are good to hold on to, and still strong when alone. They work hard, to help others and lend them to someone when in need. They are selfless, and give to everyone and anyone when asked, or even just because. They are happy to see you, and perfect for wiping tears. But be careful, they can punch too, and will if anyone crosses the people that mean the most to her. I need these hands, and Lord knows I need my Mother.

My sister is my backbone and she keeps me stable. My back is strong, and powerful, it can withstand anything anyone that tries to break it. It can hold me up when I feel like falling down and is my toughest support system. My backbone is my rock and never lets me down. I can’t live without it, and I wouldn’t want to. I love her more than anything and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I need her and love her unconditionally.

I love and miss my family more than anything. I wouldn’t be who I am without them and I sure wouldn’t want to do life with any other group of people. They are parts of me, that even when they aren’t around, I know they will always be there. I can grow being away, because I am truly never too far from home.