Family

This past weekend I was in New York visiting my family. I grew up on Long Island and lived in the same town from the day I was born until the day I left for college. We moved into the house my family currently lives in when I was six, and I have so many wonderful memories of this home.

I remember the summer days before I left for college. I was nervous and excited and so very fearful of how things would change. My younger sister is currently experiencing the same thing as she leaves for college. Entering the unknown so far from home is a scary thing. But I wouldn't have had it any other way.

It never gets easier saying goodbye. 

In the weeks leading up to my departure for college I cried almost daily. During college, when I came home for vacations and summer breaks, leaving my family never became easier. There would always be a moment, whether it was in the car on the way to the airport, or at the gate in the airport, where a wave of sadness would come over me and I would have an overwhelming feeling that something was missing.

Now, in my mid twenties, the feelings have become less intense but they are still there. My family members are my best friends and its so difficult living across the country from them. I long for the days where I can grab lunch with my mom without having to first book a flight and I'm sure that these days are somewhere in my future. But, I love my life here in Chicago so moving back to New York is not the answer.

We do the best we can with what we have. We see each other as much as possible. We call to tell each other funny stories or to share recipes or to complain about an awful day. Despite the miles between us, we are still exceptionally close.

And I am so very lucky to have Y and to be embarking on starting our own little family.

Family is just the greatest.

{Sisters}

{Alex, Amanda, Mom, Jamie, Me, Dad}

{xo}