Family is really important to me and I always treasure times I get to spend with my family. Now that I am away at school again and don't get to be around my family as much, I often think of the wonderful times we have shared together this summer and how close we have become. This week I really felt the love my family has for one another. It's easy to take for granted everything that our family does for us, but we should never forget the sacrifices our parents have made and support our families have given to us. I will forever be thankful of that.

As I sit and write this, there is a picture of my mom, my sister, and I from before I left for college two years ago on my desk. In it, my mom and sister have their arms wrapped around me as we lean in close to each other. I have always cherished this picture and continue to keep it with me as a reminder of the love we have for each other. Even when I miss them, I can still look at this picture and remember that no matter how far away we are from each other, our love spreads across state lines.

Between the group chats, phone calls, and unexpected time spent with each other this past week, I have seen my family come together in ways I never thought I would ever see. My family, though broken, has always been there for me and for my sister when we need them the most. My family may be broken, but in those moments when we come together for each other are always beautiful. I love my family and I wouldn't trade what we have for all the money in the world.

Recently I was asked what I thought home meant to me; I immediately knew my answer. They say home is where the heart is, and my heart is always with my family. Whether I live in Illinois, Michigan, or Ohio, I know the people that I'm with will have my heart and I will be able to feel at home in any of those places because of it. Family is super important and I am so glad I have such an amazing family supporting me and loving me every day.