Although I’m the daughter of three cultures (American - Trinidadian - Puerto Rican) and was raised among four religions (Christian - Catholic - Muslim - Hindu), you’ve always made me feel accepted. Although I don’t exactly fit in, you’ve always made me feel included.

Thank you for not making fun of me when I don’t know what to wear to our grandmother’s Muslim prayers, and thank you for lending me the right clothes to wear because I would’ve worn shorts and looked like a fool. Additionally, thank you for laughing at me when I was a kid and made fun of the Imam. In my defense, I used to imitate my Sunday school teachers in the same manner.

Thanks for making me see a different perspective. When I’m with you guys, I feel more American than ever, but I'm also expanding my worldview. I can entertain different perspectives and opinions without feeling threatened by them. We don't need to believe in the same God in order to be a family. It has never been that way for us. I love the fact that our family mirrors the diversity present in the world.

Thank you for not hating Americans, even when you get stopped during your layover in Miami and interrogated, causing you to miss your connecting flight to New York. Though we all joke about it now because laughter is sometimes the only way to move past it, I know that it must’ve been a terrible experience.

Thank you for all of the times we have unconsciously crossed the ridiculous boundaries that have been created to divide us. Thanks for spending Christmas in New York and taking me on awesome adventures when I come to Trinidad. Thanks for partying with me and showing me that there is never, ever one image that should be allowed to marginalize human beings.

Thank you for teaching me tolerance without ever talking about it. You showed me time and time again what tolerance looks like-- and it isn't a big deal. For me, it's pretty simple. Don't be an asshole. Despite our cultural and religious differences, you’ve never made me feel ashamed of who I am. I’ve never had to apologize on behalf of all Americans for anything…and I’m sorry you may feel pressure to apologize on behalf of all Muslims.

If I didn’t grow up surrounded by such a diverse family, I don’t know who I’d be. I’m so thankful for you guys this particular Thanksgiving because you’ve saved me from ignorance. I will never fear anyone who wears a hijab (even though most of you don’t) or hate someone because they don’t look like me or live their lives in the same cultural bubble. I don’t really look like you, talk like you or even eat the same food as you, but you’ve never made me feel like any of that matters because at the end of the day, it doesn't.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Love Your Crazy American Cousin - Niece - Granddaughter