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Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

 

My family is so precious and valuable to me—both those who are still roaming the earth and those who have passed away. I always talk about my family because they’re the most loving, caring, supportive and selfless people I know. They’ve gotten me through the darkest of days and they’ve been by my side since I saw the world for the first time 30 years ago.

 

My entire world would be dysfunctional without them. I wouldn’t know what to do and I’d barely know how to live anymore. I’m a very sensitive, emotional and expressive person, but their unconditional love makes me feel as though I can overcome any obstacle, fight my fears and move mountains. And yes, my pets are also included. I do believe that my family (and fur friends) unconditional love has a big impact on me in the most beautiful way possible.

 

My family matters because we’re creating everlasting memories that I can replay in my mind any time I so choose. They are my calm, my peace, my serenity and they keep me grounded.

 

We share endless jokes and there’s always lots of laughter between us so our family gatherings are never dull. We enjoy each other’s company whether it’s a quick visit or an entire day spent together. We cherish those moments because time doesn’t stand still for anybody nor is it ever promised.

 

My family members are capable of making everyone see the beauty that life has to offer—even those who have lost their vision can feel life’s beauty through conversations held with my loved ones.

 

My mom is such a magical person and though she lost both her husband and her mother, she hasn’t lost hope and still encourages those to spread love and kindness. She’s my guiding light, the sun, the moon and the stars. She loves profoundly and anyone can feel her positive and peaceful presence. She always reminds me of how much I am loved by her. She was, she is and she will always be my mom. I will never forget all the things she taught me. I’m so lucky to be my mother’s daughter. She’s my seed of hope and she’s always navigating through life with my best interest in mind. She, like me, is a very sensitive and emotional woman so her ability to show me love and kindness to my fragile heart is such a gift. She’s so courageous and her strength is admirable. She is incredibly humble. There was never any judgement on her part and she’s shown me nothing but grace and respect my whole life.

 

My late father was a man of few words, but me being his daughter made him speak louder than life. He didn’t open up much to people nor was he very expressive, but when it came to me, his emotions rose from the earth and wrapped themselves around me like a warm embrace. His words of wisdom, his love, his care, his support, his guidance and everything in between came flooding in because he knew I always needed comfort and reassurance from him. He used to call me “Monkey”—one of many nicknames he gave me. He’d always tell me how much he loved me and how he found it hard to get mad at me even when I made a bad decision or did something stupid. He knew that I needed forgiveness instead of punishment and that made a world of difference. His ability to show me what love is made me believe that love was easy, that it could never hurt and that it will always be there. He was, he is and he will always be my dad. I will never forget all the things he taught me. I will be forever grateful because being his daughter also taught him to be patient, to listen and to be the best man and greatest father there will ever be. He showed me nothing but respect and he put me up on a pedestal every single day. The love and care he gave me is the same level of love and care he wanted to see my life partner give me. My father would always remind me that I was the love of his life and his whole entire world; he is the first man I ever loved and I’m so lucky to be my father’s daughter.

 

My older brother is an intelligent, determined, loving and caring guy. He’s rough around the edges and gives me tough love but he’s always guided me in the right direction. He’s taught me many things and he’s reminded me that his intentions are always good. He’s passionate and puts his all into things. I truly look up to him and I’m proud of the man he’s become.

 

My family matters because they’ve never left my side even when life chewed them up and spat them out—they never gave me reason to believe that they’d ever leave me but they gave me every reason to believe that perfection exists among them . . . in their hearts and in their souls. I would be nothing without them.

 

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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.