We can all agree that there is nothing like living in Tallahassee, especially during the fall and spring. Between White Trash Wednesday and hitting up “Club Stroz" ‘til the early morning, us ‘Noles really know how to live it up. But, from time to time, we all tend to miss living back at home, and yes, even our parents. I, for one, am very close to my family, so when it comes time to journey back home for the summer, I can’t help but be excited.

Coming back home is almost like being thrown back into another life. As soon as I pull into my old driveway, memories flood my brain. I remember all the fun times that I shared with both friends and family in my old house. All the laughter, tears, movie marathons, late night baking, deep conversations and of course, receiving my acceptance letter to FSU. I can’t help but smile as I open the door and my puppies run toward me with my parents right behind them. I know that the summer holds happiness and spending time with my family, which is more important than anything to me.

There is never a dull moment when I am living back home. Whether it be working my summer job or making dinner with my mom, I am always keeping busy. But busy is good, especially when it includes taking a weekend to go and do nothing at the beach. No matter what I am in the mood to do, I know that my family is more than happy to go and do it with me. The laughter that we share is unmatchable and I know that I will always have them by my side. Friends may be fleeting, but family is forever.

One of my favorite things about being home is the food. Not only is it free, it is actually good. Not to bash any college cooking ramen experts, but there is nothing as good as a home cooked meal. Back in high school, my family would eat dinner every night together, and that is definitely something that I miss when I am away in college. One of the things I still cherish most is sitting down with my family and enjoying a meal that we prepared together while we chat about everything and nothing. I know that this is a place where I am free to be myself and I am accepted and loved unconditionally for it.

My parents are always there to take care of me in any way they can. They are always there to make me smile and make me the best person that I can be. Every summer that I go home I know I'm forming a closer relationship with my parents. They have given me everything, and being with them only reminds me of how lucky I am to alway be able to come back home.