Three or more months of meal swipes, mediocre microwave dinners, and the occasional Sonic run can get to a college student more than you think. For me at least, the second my mother's homemade spaghetti touches my lips, it feels almost like I haven't truly eaten in what seems like years. I don't know what it is about the sauce. Is it the consistency, the perfectly seasoned meat, or the fiery roasted tomato aftertaste? Whatever it is, I think the old wive's tale might just be true: Mom's always make it with love.

Coming home for holiday break is like having Christmas every single morning. Even a bowl of cereal tastes better when you're sitting on your own couch watching SpongeBob with the Fios you don't have to pay for! The week before break is always the worst. Money starts to run low, swipes are far and few in-between (if you even have any) and home is so close yet so far. I kid you not the second I saw the text pop up from Mom asking me what I wanted for my first meal back, I swear it felt like God himself was smiling down on me. The choices danced through my head. What will it be? Pot roast, chicken and dumplings, lasagna, roasted salmon? To be completely honest, this was a question I thought more about than any final I had that week.

I find myself missing home more and more the older I get. I don't know what it is. Maybe we realize we're getting closer to entering the "real world" and pretty soon, coming home will mean walking into our one bedroom apartment after an 8 hour day at our first start-up job. We'll try to recreate those special meals that Mom made just right. No matter how exactly you follow any recipe, it just won't be the same. As a son or daughter, I guarantee you'll make more than a couple phone calls back home.

A home cooked meal goes so much further than just the dinner table. Being home not only encompasses the warmth only our own beds, parents and yes even our siblings can provide, but a new appreciation for what we have those special times of the year. Whether this is your first semester away, your last, or you're heading away within the year, take the time to really thank those who are dear to you for giving you a cozy and welcoming place to call home. So while you're scarfing down that favorite special meal, remember behind that is more than just ingredients. So thank you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for welcoming me back home with open arms and a full plate.