It’s tough going to a small school where everyone’s family lives four hours away at most. It’s beginning to seem like even if the parents of my friends are divorced, they still live in the same town — even just the same state.

When I left for college, my parents moved to opposite sides of the country. To see my dad, it would take about 10 hours of driving. To get to my mom, it’s about a 32-hour drive. This year for Christmas I am taking a plane to see my mom then immediately after I get back, driving those 10 hours to Georgia for New Year’s. It’s not ideal, but it’s made me appreciate my family so much more than I ever did.

It’s hard seeing my friends go out with their moms or dads during the school year. Something as simple as getting lunch one day, just because they can, makes me so jealous. I see my family once a year if that. My parents will tell me, “That’s just part of growing up,” but I wanted to have what my friends have — just for a little while longer.

I’ve broken down, I’ve cracked up, and I’ve called my mom every single day for the past three years to talk to her for over an hour at a time. I can’t express how hard it’s been not having any family in the state. Yeah, I’ve broken into tears in the middle of campus, I’ve had nights where I’ve dreamed they’re here and woken up lonelier than ever before, but that’s “just part of growing up.”

To many, I’m so very lucky. A lot of people have lost a parent, or don’t have two parents to visit. This Christmas, be thankful for what you have. Don’t get caught up in what other people are doing or not doing. Don’t be upset if you don’t get the perfect gift. If you get socks, great. If you get a new car, even better. So long as there is love, we should all be thankful. Appreciate what you have while you have it. You only get one life. Live it fully, don’t have regrets, and call your mom every now and then.