Ohana means family. And family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten. Most people have heard of this phrase from the famous Disney movie Lilo & Stitch. But, the saying symbolizes the same honor throughout Hawaiian culture. To me, this saying is more than just a quote from a movie or a symbol in a culture.

Ohana to me is to never give up on family and to always stay by their side; even during their worst days. It doesn't matter how big, or how small your family ends up being. What does matter, is that you stick together and never forget to love one another.

There may be times where one of your siblings does something to you that makes you want to wish you were never related to them. Or, there may be times when another one of your family members hurts you in a way you never thought was possible. You might get mad and say something awful that you'll instantly regret, and they will probably be hurt right back. However, your family is your family. You can not exchange them or wish them away. Over time, they will forgive you and the love you have for each other will be stronger than ever. Families always fight, it's what makes each family unique.

Never take any of your family members for granted. Each one of them is apart of your life for a reason; to love you. It doesn't matter what role they play in your life; aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, cousin-in-laws, second cousins, etc. They will always love you because you love them too.

Personally, I have a pretty big family. I can not express how grateful I am to my entire family for always supporting me and loving me. We all have our baggage, but what family doesn't? What matters, is we all stick together and help each other fix our broken edges and make each other feel whole again. We always make sure to be there for each other during any stressful, upsetting, or difficult time each one of us comes to face. And we never give up on one another, because we all love each other.

I am so happy and lucky that I was given such an amazing family on both my mom and dad's sides. They have helped mold me into the person I am today. Without them, I don't know who I would have become. I always try to be there for them during their hard times, as they are for me. We all try to stay in contact even though not all of us live nearby, and that's one of the things I cherish the most. Knowing that whenever I need guidance or want to talk I know I can go to any one of my family members and they will listen with open arms and a warm smile.

Ohana will always mean more to me than a quote or symbol. It reminds me to always cherish and love the amazing family I have. I know that my family will never leave me behind or forget me. Ohana to me is to never give up on my family and to never stop loving them. What does Ohana mean to you?