Changing lives and sharing love

I can't imagine having not met all the people I did in Italy that are now integral members of my life. Living with a new family in a new place is the most refreshing sensation. Human kindness and restored faith in humanity are two of the biggest take-always from this semester abroad. I'm going to share a somewhat sad story but I think it is beautifu and rather emblematic of the kindness and love that can be found in a non-biological family.
At an AFS local chapeter event in the pugliese countryside, I was distraught with some personal issues going on. My host mother pulled me into a separate room and we had such a thoughtful and profound conversation, crying and so connected. After the party, my liaison took me to her home, where I took a shower and then we were sitting and she was brushing my hair, telling me how much she loves me I reciprocated the sentiment. There was so much love and connection. I felt like their daughter, and I still do, 4 years later, maybe even more so now. I can call them for anything, they are always there. Upon my departure, my host sister said to me "we will always come back to each other in this life". Her words have remained true. We are very much sisters. They are very much my other family. All of them; two mothers , a father , a grandmother, two sisters, and countless close friends who mean the world to me to this day.