Some people think it's crazy. In total, I have 15 aunts and uncles on both my sides. I have well over 100 first, second and third cousins, some I barely know. When people think of big families, they think of "The Brady Bunch" or "Full House" but it's really not like that. When you have a family this big, you hardly will see many of them. Some live in other states, some hardly come around and some you only see during the holidays.

But you'll love them endlessly.

I'm thankful for my massive family. I've never felt alone. Holidays are spent with screaming cousins, plenty of hugs and happy moments. You realize that you have so many people you can always call on. Some of my favorite memories are spent with them: playing card games, eating tons of food and laughing about things someone did during some holiday or get-togethers.

Families aren't perfect. They have disagreements and burdens. They drift apart. But they will ALWAYS have your back. If you need "put in-line," they can help with that. If you need a hug, they can help with that. If you need a shoulder to cry on, they can help with that. The thing about family is they're always there. Friends come and go, co-workers come and go, money comes and goes, jobs will come and go, but family, they will stay.

I can look back and smile at the memories we have. I became the person I am because of their teaching, love, and compassion. Family — they teach us to laugh loudly, love strongly and have courage. Life is full of treasure, but family, it's worth far more than rubies.

Here's to my crazy, loving, encouraging, witty, massive family. They say the bigger the family, the bigger the heart. I couldn't agree more; I love you all so much.

"Family is not an important thing — it's everything," Michael J. Fox.