Family > Everything

Family has always been one of the most important parts of my life. I’m the youngest of four girls, and the third youngest of fifteen grandchildren, so growing up there was never a shortage of people around. Because of that, family has always meant more than just immediate relatives; my extended family has always been a huge part of my everyday life.

I’m incredibly lucky that most of my family lives close to each other. It means we’re able to spend a lot of time together, whether it’s casual dinners, family parties, or just getting together on the weekends. My cousins are some of my best friends, and being able to grow up so close with them is something I’ll always be grateful for.

I also try to prioritize spending time with my grandparents whenever I can. They spend their winters in Florida, and I’m lucky enough to be able to take the train to visit them fairly easily. Those visits are something I really value, and I always try my best to make time for them.

Some of my favorite memories are our family traditions. Family parties are honestly some of my favorite days of the year because everyone is together. Summers in Ocean City, New Jersey, are another thing that means a lot to me. When we’re there, the whole family is constantly together, whether it’s going to the beach, getting dinner, or just spending time at the house.

As life gets busier, I’ve realized how special it is to have such a close family. Those relationships and traditions are something I’ll always prioritize, because at the end of the day, they’re the people and moments that matter most.