"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."
--Desmond Tutu

No matter where you come from or how you were raised, the most important people in your life should ALWAYS be your family. Friends are nice while you're young, but the only people who will stick around through thick and thin are your family. When you need someone to count on, the best place for refuge is in the arms of your family members.

When times get tough and relationships get rocky, your family is supposed to be who you can lean on. They are the epitome of a "shoulder to cry on."

I would not be the person I am today without the love and encouragement of my family. Each person has had their own life-changing effect on me.

My dad always been a huge supporter of me. All of the choices I have made in my life, thus far, have been accompanied by his never-ending support. Even when I think I have no direction for my life, he is there to prove me wrong. He was ready to go along with anything and everything I had planned.

My mom has been and always will be my best friend. Every accomplishment I have had in my life has been because of her. She is the person I always know I can turn to when I have questions or just need someone to talk to. We are so alike, which makes us get along with each other that much more. She is the one person I aspire to be like.

My older sister has taught me what it means to be kind and to have a passion for helping people. I strive to be as smart as she is one day. She is always up for shopping sprees and trips to Six Flags with me. We have too many inside jokes to count, and she laughs at everything I say.

My little sister has always been someone who is easy to talk to and so fun to hang out with. Whenever I want to relax with popcorn and Disney movies, she is the only one I can count on to be sitting on the couch right next to me. I can tell her all of my secrets, and she can tell me all of hers.

No matter what, my family members have always been the ones I could count on and trust in. My parents have raised my sisters and I on values that have shaped us into who we are. I am so grateful to have been raised by such a loving family, and one who will always be there for me when I need them most.

Your family is your support system. They are your roots and will always be your home. It is easy for us to get caught up in the moment and take our family for granted. But we forget that not everyone is blessed with a loving family who will always care for them.

Friendships will come and go, but family is forever.