Family is one of my biggest values. I think that it was just always instilled in my heart that family is most important. Now to me family isn't all about blood relation, but the impact individuals make in your life. Family is about the people who never leave your side. Family is everything to me.

My family is a mix of two past relationships with me as the child that is not only my mom and dad's, but I have always felt like the glue that held us together.

I was our baby Sarah that brought us together. My mom was an amazing woman to be able to handle all of us and to somehow weave our families together.

With two older sisters and an older brother, I was taught how to be tough, get dirty and most importantly laugh at every opportunity. There are too many stories to tell of all of us getting into some type of mischief. We fought and bickered but at the end of the day, the love we have for each other is unbeatable.

My siblings and parents. Yup, that's about all I really had when I was young. Being older now I understand why and I know my aunts and uncles loved me, but when you're young it's the people present who make an impact.

But out of luck I grew up in a small town that I created friendships with people who today are still much like a family. When you've known people since kindergarten or preschool and end up graduating with them you're not just friends anymore. You remember their birthdays, favorite color, future plans, and probably their mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, sister, brother and sometimes even their aunt and uncles.

These people were there for me in so many ways for such an important part of my life. I grew into who I am with all of these people and learned a little piece of life from each of them.

The farm boy that only slept 2 hours during harvest and planting season that came to school early, busted his ass for good grades, played basketball, and never gave up because there's always another job to get done. The cheerleader who taught me it didn't matter what other people thought of me, being wild is worth it when you're young. The best friend who even though we fought she never left my side.

To me, I always thought I needed more than what such a small, drama-filled town could offer me. And yes, I'm glad I have had the experience of moving away for college and seeing other life. But I will always be thankful for my family, my friends, and every single individual who pushed me and helped me be able to be here today.

I hope that in the future I'm able to be there as an aunt, a friend, sister, daughter, mother, and wife as much as what I've been blessed in my life. I wish I could be home more for those nephews and niece so bad because I never want them to wonder if I love them.

My friends that have been there as a family I love you all and I wish we could all just get together to catch up, seeing you on Facebook and Instagram just aren't enough for me. Finally, to my siblings and parents, I wish I could tell you how much I love all of you and even though we are crazy that I wouldn't want it any other way.