I first left home when I was 13. At a young age, I was set on becoming a professional ballet dancer and wanted to do anything in order to achieve that dream. I was really attached to my family and they were all shocked when I decided to move away. (confession: I was also afraid of the dark and would not sleep in a room alone) Well, off I went. I spent three years at The Walnut Hill School for the arts in Natick, MA. After Walnut Hill, I returned home to dance in NYC for a few years before moving to Chicago. Now, I am spending this year partially in NY, partially in Salt Lake City with Ballet West, and some time in LA with The Barak Ballet.
The whole time I am away, it is my family that I miss the most. Time differences and busy schedules have proven difficult to be able to communicate as much as I would like. I am so fortunate to have a large, loving, supportive, honest, and caring family and being away from them all is hard. It becomes most apparent after returning home. I notice every little change that occurs during my absence. For example, how my nephews grow at what appears to be hyper speed. I feel like I am missing so much. I would love to settle closer to home however traveling so much has allowed me to develop my true nature and the person I am. I have discovered how independent I am and how much I crave adventure, meeting new people, absorbing my surroundings, and learning new things.
I look forward to this coming Friday when I get to see my family again and share love, stories, and photos from our time apart 🙂
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/10/19/daily-prompt-home/
My Year of New Beginnings 
Family is one of the most crucial things in life! Without them you would be nothing so try to absorb all the nice moments you have with them 🙂 Have fun this Friday!
Great writing! I understand the pull you have to be with your family and also travel and achieve your own goals. Follow your heart and where your happiness lies, your family will always be by your side. Cherish the moments you do spend with them.