When you go to college far from home you will inevitably miss things that happen with your family and your friends from home. If you come from a family like mine you probably have a lot of crazy memories and a lot of family gatherings. Going away may end up causing you to miss more than you expect to. Growing up it was not uncommon for me to walk downstairs and find my uncle sitting in the living room or his kids running upstairs while I'm reading to come find me and of course the random night of babysitting those very same cousins. I get to have impromptu lunches with my Grandmother. Never before college had I spent a holiday away from my family.

Being this far from home has meant that I missed Mother's Day, Easter and even my younger cousin’s first holy communion. These were always major events for my family and the only way that I got to experience them was through phone calls and the photographs my parents sent me. This was definitely not the same as being there. But you get used to these things, they make you a little sad but you adjust.

One thing I could not adjust to is not being there for the rough times. This past week has been one of those times for my family. My family has always been more than just the people I shared blood with, that helped shape who I am and I am so thankful for it. Sadly, this past week my family got a little bit smaller. A few nights ago the mother of one of my dad’s best friends passed away and I hate more than anything that I am not able to be there with my dad, my Uncle Don and his wife and son as they celebrate the amazing, beautiful life of Beverly Meyer.

Being here, in Buffalo means that I am getting a great education, but it also means that while my family is together mourning I will be stuck here stressing about finals week. Even though I am here my heart is going to be with the people that I love, as it has been since I got the news that she was sick. I have nothing but wonderful memories of Beverly and I felt like I needed to take this opportunity to say that.

I love all of you and though I can’t be there with you, my heart is there.