as strange feeling and a realization of true family.

When I went off to college, I wasn't one to look back or get homesick. I started making my own decisions (good and bad) and lived with the results of those decisions.  It landed me in a position where I didn't know if I could continue going to the school I was going to.  But by the grace of God and thanks to some pretty amazing family members, I was able to stay in an area that I fell in love with.  Yes, I was unsure of where I was headed for a while, and I had to get used to a new house with new rules in addition to the adjustment of commuting.

But I did it.

I made life-long friends, found an AMAZING church, and I live with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin- whom I love dearly.  But I do miss my little sister and boyfriend so I took a week off of work and came to Horseheads for a visit.  And all was good. Until today, one of those days where everyone does nothing but fight over the dumbest things you could possibly think of.  And it's then that I find myself homesick for my life in Rochester- where I live in a place that I have never doubted I belong.  And it's such a strange feeling for me.

But at the same time, I found myself so thankful for the people here who have shown love.  The people who come to pick me up and let me hang out at their house until I'm okay to go back because they know what things are really like. The families that since I was in elementary school, have opened their doors when I needed it the most- they are the reason I come back to visit.

And I thank God for them every time I see them, talk to them, or when someone talks about family. Because to me, that's what a family is.  They don't have to be biological, and they don't care if they are or not- they act like themselves around you, and they don't hide their true emotions.  And it took me feeling a little homesick and upset to realize that I do actually have a "family" here.  So when someone asks me why I WOULD come back to this town, it's because of my true family.  And even with a million reasons to stay in the city and never come back, I would visit just so I could see these people.