I'll be the first to say that my family is one of a kind. Like many other families, we poke fun at each other and make sarcastic remarks. But the difference is that my family takes it to extremes. We will hit you where it hurts just for the sake of a good laugh, and the only way to take the heat off you is to fire back. But here's the weird part, we only make fun of those we love most. A little messed up, I know. In our own strange way, my family loves each other so strongly and it's something I've grown to cherish over the years, even when I'm the brunt of most jokes (shoutout to Morgan and Blake).

My family has single handedly become the most important people in my life the past year. Not that they weren't important before, but at 18 or 19 years old I had other priorities. I didn't call my family near enough while I was at school and my mom constantly reminded me to check in with her every once in a while so she knew I was ok. My family used to be something I took for granted, but every day in the past year I have realized just how blessed I am to have people so caring in my life.

When things got bad for me last year, my family felt like the only people I could turn to. I had good friends, but nothing seemed to console me like a good trip to Pennsylvania. Crossing into state lines, I could feel my anxiety lift from my shoulders, I knew I would feel safe soon.

Though 3 hours to drive "home home" was a long way to drive every weekend. So instead I spent most weekends driving to my grandparents house, a place that quickly became home, to escape reality. Even when I told myself I'd stay at school for the weekend, I'd find myself "fleeing the state" as I called it at 11pm Friday or Saturday night. And every weekend, my grandparents never ceased to welcome me with food (God, so much food) and tell me how happy they were that I was there. Let's be honest, they couldn't have been THAT excited to see me every weekend I showed up, but you truly couldn't tell by their faces the moment I unlocked the door (yes, they made me my own key that's how much I went).

The relationship I developed with my grandparents this last year is something I wouldn't trade for anything. But any relationship I have with my family I wouldn't trade for anything. My aunt quickly became a woman I look up to and admire greatly. Her advice and constant love became something special that we shared and I couldn't be more thankful for her guidance and understanding. And aside from emotional support of my family, they are a huge stress reliever for me. I've gotten to see my cousins grow, play pee-wee football, and spend time with my great grandmother. Those are moments that I will truly cherish forever. Everyone talks about how great it is to go out and party, and while I love the bars like the rest of the world, it truly doesn't compare to drinking with your family at a 7-year-olds birthday party (believe me, we know how to do it).

In fact, I've never met more fun people in my life. It's no wonder my friends love hanging out with my family. We turn anything with 4 or more people into a "party" and we never stop laughing. My family hasn't just become my outlet, it's become everyones. People know if they need a night of relaxing fun that any of my family's houses is the place to be. I love that I can share my family with other special people in my life, and I see the joy they bring.

Being in a family like mine is something special, something that not everyone has the privilege of. Without them, this past year would have been unbearable and I wouldn't have become half the woman I am now. So next time your family is making fun of you for something stupid, think about how lucky you are to have someone to tease you. I know I will. Because sadly, some people only have themselves, and that has to be the loneliest world of all.