When I was growing up, I never realized just how important family was to me. It took me moving hours away to college to understand that they have, and always will be, the most important people in my life. Honestly, I really regret not having this appreciation sooner because now I feel closer to every one of them than ever. There is so much guilt when looking back and thinking about how I would choose a night out with my friends over having a family dinner. I also notice now how much time I would spend on my phone instead of interacting with them. The new found appreciation I got for them when moving away from home definitely helped me to mature as a person.

Speaking of maturity -- who on earth would I be without my parents teaching me about responsibility, manners, compassion, admitting mistakes, appreciation, and so much more. These are things that each of us use on a daily bases and are what have helped to form the people we are today. Brad Meltzer once said, "No matter how far we come, our parents are always in us." How true is that statement?! Really think about it. Our parents have been there since day, even minute, one. They watched us take our first steps and say our first words. They were there for us when we had our first heartbreak. When times were hard, they taught us how to deal with the problem and face our mistakes. Often, we are so caught up in our own world that we completely forget just how much they have done for us throughout our lives.

One of the greatest things parents can do is provide us with the best and the worst thing to ever happen to us: siblings. Brothers and sisters are the best things because they help you to learn so many concepts that you need to know in life. You learn the meaning of love, support, patience, cooperation, conflict resolution, how not to kill each other over petty things, negotiation, forgiveness, etc. Without my sisters teaching me these things through our experiences, I would probably have a much harder time interacting with people on a daily basis. Then, there are the days when I could rip my hair out because my sisters caused me near insanity. It could be things as simple as them eating the last cookie. For some reason, when they are related to you things that are small get under your skin more. Siblings fight over the dumbest things ever. One thing is for sure -- you always know how to stand up for yourself. Mom wasn't always there to protect me and back up her favorite daughter so I had to learn to "put my big girl panties on."

They say that togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life. This doesn't necessarily mean being physically together, but knowing in your heart that no matter what you have individuals that will always be by your side. Sometimes, family isn't even blood related. In my opinion, we are constantly gaining individuals through our lives that can be defined as family. I know that I have several best friends that I call my family because I know that they always have my back just as my real family does.

Whoever you call your family, never forget to show them your appreciation. We often get so busy in our lives that our time spent with family becomes minor. I challenge each and every one of you to go out of your way to show your family members your appreciation for all the memories you've made, the lessons they have taught you, and the endless laughter. Even a simple thank you can change someones day and put a smile on their face.

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. Randy Pausch.