Comment: I am 25 years old...

I have spent more than half my life living with a family member every day.

I come from a family of 6, I am the youngest of four with three older sisters. We were all homeschooled until I was 14 and went to High School.

I thought loneliness was being without, but I have learned it is so much more.

When i was 17 my parents went separate ways, the endless love and unity that was a symbol to other torn families on my street was no more. In one night, I became a statistic. In one month, two sisters moved out leaving my dad and one sister to 'come home to.' In one year, it was just my dad and I, our house was empty, all that ever was existent was no more.

There were no more smiling faces at the door, no more family dinners, family arguments, or even a whisper to know someone was there.

I went away to school at 20, coming home every 4 months when school ended. I always thought getting away would be the answer, finding my own path to be strong upon. I studied in Italy at 21, left my home, my city, my country, my life, for half a year.

Now, I live in California, the near opposite end from my family in New York. I come home for winter break, my father is away on business. A house that once was full is now completely empty. It tears me apart, it tears my family apart, even when distance is not measured.

Neil Young once said, "You say you're leaving home 'cause you want be alone, ain't it funny how it feels when you're finding out its real."

Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain... though it feels like you're leaving there too soon.

My deepest and most heart felt condolences..