There is nothing more important than family. Family ... the people who can get you through anything and everything. Recently, my family has experienced a great shock and it has tried and tested our strength, but our family is continuously helping us through it. I realize that not every family is as close as mine, but even if they aren't close or you don't talk a lot, chances are they will be there for you.

Always treasure the time you have with each and every person you have in your life. You were born into your family, and chances are they want to be with you, create memories, and maybe even share a story or two. Maybe there are some family members who you don't get to see very often anymore, but when you do see them, its like no time has passed at all. It is family like that that makes having a family worth it.

Having such an unconditional love for people in your life is kind of scary, especially when you know that life doesn't go on forever, no matter how much we would all like it to. They know from before the time you're born, and you share countless, irreplaceable experiences with them from before you're born to the time you grow up. But one thing I have learned recently, is that no matter what happens, that person will always be there, even if they aren't "there."

No matter what goes on in life, people can never take away your memories of your family or the time you spent with them, and all the things you could have possibly picked up or learned from them. They will always be that person who drove you to school or helped you reach tall things, or even just that person who would sit there with you after a long day, and you wouldn't have to say anything because you both knew that sometimes you just need to sit and think. Family will always have your back, and they will always guide your thoughts and actions throughout your life as you continue to become the person they've always wanted to see.

Your family and your friends - the family you choose - they are the people that can pull you through anything, and they will be there for you in your darkest times, your greatest victories, and everything in between. They are the people you should always be able to count on when you are having a bad day, or even a great one, and you just want to share it with someone. It always helps when you have a family who will always say, "no matter what everything will be fine," because even if it doesn't feel like it in that moment, you know eventually somehow, someday, everything will be fine, and you will find your new normal. So love your family and cherish every moment with them, no matter how functional or dysfunctional it may be.