Lemme tell you—Mexican families are something else. They’re loud, crazy, blunt, opinionated, unorganized and late (to everything).

But they’re also loving, caring, supportive, encouraging, compassionate, inclusive, exciting, structured, weird and the list goes on. See, Mexican families have this unbreakably unique bond… a bond that is stronger than any words can describe.

Growing up in a Mexican family means you’ve been given the biggest blessing of all time. Not everyone is fortunate enough to know their second, third, fourth and fifth cousins by name. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have an entourage at all their school recitals, sporting events or academic achievements. Not everyone is fortunate enough to see their grandparents, cousins, aunt, uncle, etc. on a weekly basis. And certainly not everyone is fortunate enough to have a relationship with their family at all.

I’ll admit—growing up, I was worst. I didn’t understand why I had to give all my family members a hug AND kiss "hi" and "bye." I didn’t understand the importance of attending all my cousins' sporting events. And I always thought, “I just saw (insert family member’s name here) two days ago… why do I have to go over for dinner?” I was unbelievably selfish. Always thinking about "me me me ME," never realizing that through my selfish attitude, I was neglecting the biggest gift God gave me.

You know that saying “you never know what you've got until it’s gone?” Well, it’s SO true. As I grew up and gained more freedom, I realized how much I missed my crazy family environment. Those Sunday chill days that turned into belly-hurting laughs and the meals shared after games don’t come as frequent as they used to. And I’m upset with myself for not valuing those simple times spent together. Because like anything in life, what you put into something is what you’re going to get out it. Maybe a weird analogy to use for family, but it's true. If you invest in the time spent together you grow closer to one another.

So to all my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, parents and sister: I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not loving you the way you deserved to be loved. I’m sorry for not wanting to tell you anything in fear that everyone would then know. I’m sorry for neglecting the awesome heritage I was born into, and I am incredibly sorry for not appreciating you earlier.

I look back on my life now and realize that there is NO WAY POSSIBLE that I would be where I am today if it weren’t for you. I wouldn’t be the independent, strong and positive leader I am now if it weren’t for the support and encouragement you gave me as a kid. And I definitely wouldn’t have the same heart or character if it weren’t for your never-ending love toward me.

Now I just sit back in awe at the family I was blessed with and often think "how did this unbelievable group of people still love me when I didn’t deserve to be loved?" But then I remember: that’s what a family is. A family is a group of people, blood or not, that will constantly admire you even at your lows. They’ll support you in all your endeavors and be there even if you fail. They will correct you when you’re wrong and praise you like no other when you succeed because they’re your family and FAMILY IS SO SO SO AWESOME!!!!

Life is so short and unpredictable. Never take your family for granted. Because as friends come and go, family lasts forever. Shower them with love and praise, because they are the most precious gift you’ll ever receive.