My dad. One chilly November day at 5 am he said, “Get ready and meet me in the four-wheeler.” He took me to a stand, and we sat silently for hours but we didn’t see anything. Eventually, we called it a day and started to head back to the four-wheeler when my dad whispered, “be quiet; there is a perfect doe right down that hill.” 

We slowly knelt at the top of the hill; everything lined up perfectly. But then I nervously said, “Dad, I can’t close one eye.” I struggled to figure out how to aim, but finally, I said, “Okay, I’m ready, can I shoot?” 

He said “Yes,” and I shot. 

I did it with my dad by my side. We still joke about that experience and how I struggled to close one eye to this day. Whenever I think about him, I think about all the fantastic memories we have created together. From teaching me to fish and hunt to the fun movie nights with extra buttered popcorn. Love. When I think of my dad, I feel loved. 

My mom. I was sick a couple of years ago, and there she was. My school called her, and in the next 15 minutes, she was there to get me. “What doesn’t feel good? Do you want me to make you chicken noodle soup?” And she did. She made me soup and was constantly by my side, checking on me, asking, “How are you feeling? Do you need anything? Do you want me to get your dog from your dad’s?” When I think of my mom, I think of all the times she cared for me when I needed it most. When I am with her I feel comfortable being myself, speaking my mind, and telling my jokes. 

My sister. My best friend. She has helped me through some callous times without even realizing it. She was there for me the whole time I was going through a breakup. “Do you want to get ice cream and talk?” she’d ask 

And with tears in my eyes I said, “Yes.” 

We went and got ice cream and then sat in her room and talked for hours about everything that happened. She comforted me the entire time. Then, months later, I did the same for her. She always supports me. I love her as my best friend and sister, and I know she will always be there for me. 

My brother. He truly has the biggest heart of all. During the first car ride we took together when he got his license, he talked about how excited he was. I said, “I can’t wait to finally have more freedom.” 

And he said, “I can drive you wherever and whenever you need me to.” 

We laughed and talked, and it was the start of a bond that grew between us. We were always together once he got his license. 

One night, I called him and said, “Hey, I know you're with friends, but would you mind picking me up? I’m uncomfortable staying here tonight.” 

Ten minutes later, he texted me: “Here.” All the way to my last normal car ride with him on the way to the airport, taking him to college, when we had to say our longest goodbye yet. I know he cherished this time we had together so much. Now, Everytime I see him, we get in the car and we talk, only now sometimes I'm the one driving.

My family truly means so much to me. They have taught me to love and care for everyone around me and the importance of trust. I have learned so much from everyone in my family, and I wouldn't trade my time with them for anything. I wake up every morning thinking about these lessons and hope to use them as much as possible to make me the best version of myself I can.