For those of you out there who live far away from your cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, you know what a struggle it is to be separated from them. Most of my relatives live in either Texas, Colorado, and a few other locations. Meanwhile, I live in the state of Nebraska.

Living away from my family has been very difficult for me throughout my life. I didn't get the opportunity to know my grandparents as well as my cousins did. Also, I didn't get the chance to bond with my cousins. I feel almost like an important piece of my life is missing. Of course, it is fun to go on road trips to visit them, but I would much rather live near them and get to go through life with my family.

Just this past week I got to spend the entire week in Texas visiting my family. It was honestly bitter sweet because I loved seeing them and catching up, but I knew I was going to have to leave them in a few days. They were all talking about everything I had missed and was going to miss. It truly broke my heart.

I want people to understand the importance of family, and to not take for granted the opportunities they have to be around their family. If you have the chance to be around your cousins, aunts, and uncles, take it in and love every moment. Life is way shorter than you think and before you know it, it might be six years since you have seen your family. Never let a minute pass that you could have seen or been around them. It hurts to see your cousins all be really close with each other and feel like an outsider. Always make family a priority, and go out of your way to give them your time. They are some of the best and most important people in your life, and they make a huge impact. Make sure to call, text, FaceTime, and message them as much as possible. Give them as many hugs as possible, and love them always because they are the ones who will be there for you until the end of time. Family matters.