Family isn’t defined by your last name or by blood, it's defined by commitment and by love. It means being there when they need it the most, and having each other’s back. It means choosing to love them even on the days that it seems hard. Lastly, it means loving them unconditionally.

People take the unconditional love from their families for granted. They’re the ones who will never turn their back on you. They’re there through everything, every heartbreak, every bad day, every good day, and all your events throughout your life. They only want the best for you as you continue to grow up. They sacrificed a lot for you, but they don’t regret a moment.

As a teenager, all I cared about was social events, and hanging out with my friends. I didn’t care a lot about being at home. I wanted to grow up quickly and get on with life. Now as an adult, I care about the time spent at home with family, because it's precious. In college, most of your time is spent on homework, sports or socializing. You spend a lot of time on campus away from your family. On your breaks, you try to spend your time catching up with old friends, with the exception of the actual holidays.

One day your time will run out, and you will regret not spending enough time with your family. Create endless memories with them, that you can one day share with your kids.

Yours truly,

Jessie Barnhart