I have a gift that not many others have....

I talk to my family almost every day, and my family is pretty big. On my mom's side alone I have eight cousins, my mom has five siblings, so yeah we are kinda big. While my dad's side of the family is not as large, they all share one weird thing in common: they all live within a 10-15 minute drive from me.

All of my immediate family is either in the same town or in the next town over. To many people, that would drive them up a wall and down the other side, but for me, it's the most comforting thing ever. Yes, we fight. Yes, we might not talk to each other all the time. But if anything happens, for instance, a car accident, we will all be there in the blink of an eye.

We are all family oriented, which means if we go somewhere or do something, there's a chance that others will be invited. That's just how we are. We know that there are many families out there who don't speak, who only see each other on holidays and special occasions, so we take full advantage of it.

Sometimes it is overbearing being a college student and having that entire family around you wanting you to do well, but on the other hand, it's so comforting and empowering knowing that there's this entire team behind you cheering you on. Knowing that I have an array of people to call when something is stressing me is a blessing. Especially when I know some people have families who don't care at all.

When I have my own little family, I will make my brothers and cousins and aunts and uncles a huge part of their lives. I want my kids to have the same large amount of love and support as I do. I consider myself extremely lucky with the family I was given because many don't have that close family to always do things with or vent to whenever they like.

Family is my priority. And while yes there are people who I consider family who aren't related to me, blood is thicker than water, and nothing will ever change that bond.