As I approach the holiday season, I am reminded of my family.

First I think of my dad, with his warm eyes and kind smile. The only thing he is missing is a white beard, and then he'd surely be Santa Claus. He might have a gentle spirit, but he fiercely loves his family, (and his dogs.). He's been working for almost fifty years and still hasn't stopped. His hardworking and determined nature inspires me every day.

Then I think of my brave brother, who has become a great friend of mine over the years. Our relationship is like an eclipse. My young memories of him are silhouetted in black. But now the shadow has passed, and I see him shining in his own light. He has conquered so much, and I admire him every day.

A part of my brother’s light came to him in the form of a tiny Vietnamese woman with a golden heart. Her name is Quỳnh Anh (or just Quinn). She burst into my life like an exploding star. Igniting in my heart and setting it on fire; she grew my Love to a place I didn't know was possible. I've only known her for a year and a half, but I feel like we've been sisters my whole life. She loves my brother dearly, and he is a person that deserves all the love in the world, so I am grateful for that every day.

Next are the three pieces of my heart that I could not exist without.

My little puppy, Victoria was born with a sunny disposition, and she has maintained that throughout our lives. She has, of course, had her moments that derailed from that, but she's been a pretty steady shoulder of stability for me and our family. She gives me hugs whenever I need them, and I know I can always go to her when I need some good comforting.

Cali has always been a quiet soul. A peacemaker. She’s always the one that wants to calm the storm that inevitably rages in our household. Even though it can be a bit annoying, she means well. She's taken all of my pent up emotions that I've thrown at her with full force. I guess that was the con of having me as a roommate for 18 years. But she's never really thrown them back at me, and I'm awed by the self-restraint that demonstrates.

Then there's my partner in crime, my Tessa. Tessa and I have had a bit of a rocky relationship. It started off with me constantly biting her as a child, which probably hurt, sorry Tess. Then it just spiraled down from there. We bickered badly as kids. It was mostly- no it was always my fault. But we got through it, and now we are closer than ever. I wish we could be together all the time.

I would not be the person I am today without my sisters. They have shaped me in ways that would not be possible if I were on my own. They are all captains to my ship that would have been wrecked without them. They've never abandoned ship, even though I've burned them continuously. I think about them every day.

Lastly, there is my mom. We've also walked a difficult path. My anger setting everything ablaze, wherever I walk, whatever I touch, turning to flame. I've pushed her so far away; sometimes I was scared that I had done too much, gone too far. But her love for me has no bounds, and she always welcomes me back into her arms. How grateful I am for that. Not that I would expect anything less from someone like her. My mom has a very big heart that has room for almost everyone she meets. Her caring personality has impacted me in ways I can't even clearly identify. All my life she has wrapped me in her love. I crave her comfort every day.

My family is my rock. As much as we fight, We love and protect each other twice as much. I would not trade them for anything in the world.

I miss them every day.