April 17 of every year, is an extremely important date to me. This all began on April 17, 1997, the day my adoption was finalized. Something very unique to me is something that very few people know; I have three families.

My first family is my biological family. I don't know this family, and unfortunately, will probably never have the chance or ability to. I wonder all the time if I have siblings, what my parents would be like if they are still around, and if they are even possibly around me since I was born and still live in Syracuse. I spent 17 years looking for answers to questions I had but was too afraid to ask. What I have learned so far is that my birth mother was 22, short (I guess that's where I get my non-existent height from), and of black/Hispanic decent. My birth father left her when he found out she was pregnant and was of African-American decent.

After I was born, I was put into foster care. This is my second family and consists of my foster mother, foster father, and their two children. I was a part of their family for three months until I was brought home with my forever family on February 12, 1996. I have recently learned that during those three months, my birth mother struggled with the decision of terminating her parental rights. Ever since I have been close with my foster family. Growing up, I constantly spent time with them. I’ve spent holidays with them, received and given gifts, and have always felt loved as if I was their own. Staying in touch has always been a priority. My foster mom is one of the most wonderful women I have ever met. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

My forever family makes up my third family. This consists of my mother, Mary Jo, my father, Bill, and my older siblings, Katie and Jack. We’re a very close family, thanks to the upbringing of my parents. My sister, Katie, is about 11 years older than I.

While this age difference kept us apart during her college and early career years, our relationship and friendship has never been strained. She taught me how to grow up to be a respectable woman, how to succeed in life, and how to love myself. My brother, Jack, is about seven years older than me. He’s also my best friend and while I know I was an annoying little sister, I was always included when his friends were around.

My parents and I have a special bond. I am 100 percent a daddy's girl. No one is as important to me as my dad. Growing up, he was at every soccer and basketball game, taught me how to love sports, and has always maintained a friendship with me. My mom is a very loving woman. While she struggles to understand anything pertaining to a typical 20-year-old life, she hasn't given up on trying to be a "cool mom" to strengthen our relationship.

Through this whole life journey, I’ve learned you can never have too many families to love. There aren't a lot of people who can say they have three families, and I think that makes me really special. So, while I want to sit here and celebrate myself (because I'm extremely self-absorbed when it comes to this topic), I'm choosing to celebrate you because this day isn't just about me, it's about us becoming one big family, all of us.

Happy 19 years finalized.