I'm from Virginia, so I'm not in the deep south, but I truly had a southern childhood.

I'm the youngest cousin out of seven and some of them are step-cousins. My father grew up in southern Virginia and my fondest memories are in the house that he grew up in. The house was large and white with lots of places to explore as a kid. There was always good food on the table and lots of people to hear stories from.

I grew up wanting to have a life like that.

Just in the middle of almost nowhere, where everyone knew everyone. The land was endless and full of corn and trees. At night, you could see every star in the sky without a problem.

Life was easy out in the country and I hope that I can give my future children a taste of the quietness and calmness of wide open land. While I do enjoy living in the suburbs, the country is where I feel at peace.

Even though I didn't realize how fortunate I was as a kid to have so much family, I miss it now. Most of my family has either moved, passed away, or drifted out of my life.

So if you have a good southern family, or any family at all, hold on to them. Enjoy time with your family and get away from the city every once in a while.