I know it's cliche but I'm thankful for family.

The biggest lesson I've learned from my own personal gap months is that family love never dies. It doesn't matter how much time has passed since seeing one another or how many miles/kilometers separate you, love has no boundaries. you have an entire support team rooting for you. Some a car ride away others flights away.

I was so ready for my new independent life to begin in college but I think God let this experience of my medical absence happen to me to remind me to not let the busyness of life make me forget the people who are important. the people who molded me to who I am.

I'm in the Philippines with relatives who I haven't seen for at least 6 years and others I'm meeting for the first time,

For example, some of my cousins.

I had a chance to travel to Singapore as well and visit the hospital I was born and the church I was baptized at. It was surreal thinking these are key landmarks of my own personal timeline.

Hearing stories of when I was young gives an amazing perspective on how much I've grown and how much I was even "me" back then. Or just reconnecting with family and realizing how much you're like them. You get a sense of belonging that's unlike any other.

I went on this trip with my mama and constantly I'm filled with a sense of longing for the rest of my family to be with us. We video chat and messaged each other as much as we can but it'll never compare to being with one another in person.

I've rediscovered how much a part of me my family is and I don't want to lose that connection again.

So as the holiday seasons come up, truly spend time with your love ones. Doesn't matter how long it was you last saw each other but hold each other tight and remind each other you love one another.

So many people don't have the same privilege of seeing family even every year. If you're one of those people, just know they'll be thinking of you as much as you are.

I hope you take advantage of being present in family love.