Arizona

Usually, when one thinks of Arizona,

They think of a hot, sandy state with cacti.

For me, it's a home filled with memories.

Living 2,000 miles away, Arizona isn't a place I go very often.

But, when I do, I feel as though I could stay forever.

The majority of my mom's side of the family lives there.

There's a sort of beauty of coming back to the place that feels so close to home but in reality is so far away. 

Seeing my little Cousin who has grown immensely.

Seeing my Mom's twin, my Aunt who always welcomes me with open arms.

And  seeing my Uncle, who I have the pleasure of enjoying my favorite sport, volleyball with

The nostalgia of having a donut at our favorite bakery years later.

The feeling of the warm, summer Arizona air. 

The feeling of joy that spreads through my body when I hug my family after years of being separated.

It's hard to know that time goes on for that side of my family when I'm so far away.

But, the minute we are reconnected, time catches up and we are whole again.