This past weekend, I had the joyous experience of traveling to Nova Scotia, Canada, to attend the triennial family reunion, on my dad's side. With relatives from all across the United States and Canada coming to my great aunt and uncle's house nestled on "Campbell Mountain," the weekend event was not only incredibly fun, but it also reminded me of how important family is to me.
I've been blessed when it comes to my family, to say the least. There are folks out there who say they have gone years, even decades, without speaking to various relatives. I can't even begin to fathom such a concept. I'm not the best at keeping in touch with people, I will admit it. However, I also can't imagine just never speaking to relatives you were close with ever again.
I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to know and grow close with my family. I've visited Canada almost every summer since I was eight years old, and from the first minute I arrived, I was treated like a grandkid who grew up around them. I've been able to meet and talk to some fascinating people, with stories that make me think, "wow, I can't believe I'm related to you!"
My family is eccentric, but they also have the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met. Yes, our reunions entail a competition to see who can stay up until the sun rises in hopes of winning a coveted pineapple, and we party on into the morning with no remorse (but with no neighbors for miles, who really cares?), but I wouldn't trade them for the world. I wouldn't trade this support system that cheers me on from thousands of miles away. I wouldn't trade these every other year trips to see them for a weekend for the world. I love getting to see everyone again, and learn how everyone is doing. They've all been supporting me, it's time I support them too.
What makes me sad is knowing that there are people out there who don't get to have this kind of bond with their family. I wish every person in the world could experience the nurture and love that comes with a tight familial bond. Which brings me to my message this week:
Appreciate the people in your life. The ones you hold near and dear to your heart, regardless of whether or not they're family, tell them you appreciate them. Support them and their decisions, and set them straight when it's not a good idea. You only get to know a microscopic percentage of the human population, and even in a world so big and populated, it's easy to feel alone. Cherish the people who love you, and even if you grow apart, let them know you'll always be cheering for them from the sidelines. At the end of the day, family isn't always blood, and you don't always get a lot of time with them. Try to see your family every so often, and keep them close to your heart.
