I was at a graduation party for a friend with six brothers and a sister. His mom passed away last year, and his oldest brothers have custody of their youngest siblings.

It’s an amazing family. As soon as I walked into their home, it was evident there was a ton of love.

I’ve been thinking a lot about families lately. I know, it probably sounds like I’ve been watching an afterschool special. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I’m leaving my family for the first time in a few months to go to college.

My family consists of my mom, dad, and younger brother. My mom has six sisters and my dad has a brother, so I have a quite a few cousins. My mom’s parents have both passed away, but both my dad’s parents are with us. Also, amazingly, both my dad’s grandmothers are alive.

Family has always been important. There were never any grand lectures or discussions about “family coming first;” it was just always there. I’ve been lucky. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my family. They make me laugh and think and have helped me become who I am.

So, understandably, I’m a little concerned about leaving. But in the past few years, I’ve realized it’s possible to “carve out” a family for yourself. I think we all do this. We develop special relationships with a small group of people, and become somewhat of a family.

In a lot of ways, I look at my co-coaches as my second summer family. As one of them said last summer, “We’re practically related.” They don’t replace my real family, but since we spend so much time together, I’ve come to rely on them for advice, support and laughter. I can’t ask for more than that.

So, I suppose I’ll do the same come August. I’ll set out to find a group of people, and together we’ll help each other get through the day. Isn’t that what family is all about, having someone who makes sure you make it to bed each night with a smile on your face?