Many kids these days have horrible relationships with their parents or even no relationship at all. They’re too busy texting, Instagramming, Snapchatting, or playing video games. Their friends become more important than a conversation with their parents every night at dinner or in the mornings at breakfast.

Trust me, I enjoy my cell phone. I get it. I’ll watch the boys play video games for hours while also playing a game on my phone. But the two people I’ll always make time for are my mom and dad.

Growing up in a huge family-orientated environment was honestly a blessing. From large family vacations yearly that consisted of 30-35 of us, to smaller family get-togethers, I learned at a young age that my family was and is everything to me. And still, to this day, my parents are my go-to people for just about everything.

No really, like everything. From needing advice on what to do in a work situation, to venting about school and the other dramas of the college life, my parents hear it all.

Although I tried to be perfect, like any teenager, when growing up I made my mistakes, and I continue to make mistakes into my twenties. Honestly, I will probably continue making mistakes into my thirties as well. And still, who is always there for me? Mom and Dad and the place that I call home.

I think it’s honestly crazy how much a parent can love their kids, how much a parent goes through raising their kids. According to my dad, it’s stressful and I’m the reason for his grey hairs.

Thinking back to middle school and high school days, my parents put up with a lot from me and my older brother. Hats off to them because I don’t know how they did it. I definitely would not have put up with me when I was that age.

Think about all you did growing up. Think about the messes you made. Think about all the trouble you got into. How mad did you think your parents would be? Did you think they would forgive you? Half the time I didn’t. I was always thinking at some point they were going to disown me. We’ve all had those moments where you get stuck in a mess and your parents have to pull you out. Or your parents simply figured out what you were up to because, well, they were your age once upon a time.

Through the messes and the forgiveness, cherish the people who raised you. For me, that was my parents. For you, it may not be and that’s okay.

I didn’t get where I am today on my own. I hit a lot of bumps and took a lot of turns. I was lucky enough to have both of my parents by my side, as well as a crazy huge family. And to this day, I cherish it.

Count your blessings. Put down your cell phone. Spend time with your family every chance you get.