Dear dad, Diane, and Emily,

We aren't perfect, but we come very, very close. You each have turned my life around. You've made me smile when I really didn't want to. You've let me cry when I've really needed to. You've made me laugh until my whole body hurts. You've made me feel so loved. Being away from you guys while I'm at school is so hard. I feel like I'm missing out on funny stories, late night chats in the family room, delicious dinners, and family time in front of the TV.

When my mom died, I never thought I could be happy ever again. Then I met you two, Diane and Emily. I was a little unsure in the beginning, but you guys already know all those stories. How we all thought we would look completely different from how we actually do. I then got to know you too, and fell in love with two people that I wanted to call family.

I begged you, dad, almost every night to let us have dinner with Diane and Emily. I always wanted us to be together. Taking the trips to Texas for Thanksgiving and Christmas were so much fun, and still are! We bonded, and before any engagement or wedding, I knew I wanted this to be permanent. Yes, I dealt with the constant grief of my mother, and I still do, but I knew I needed a mother in my life. I also knew that I still wanted the sister I asked for every Christmas and birthday. My wishes finally came true.

In November of 2012, when we finally became a family, I was so happy. At the wedding, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. The two families finally met and we became a family, and I knew no one was leaving and this wouldn't end anytime soon.

Now, almost four years later, I am still so happy. I love calling home at night and hearing everyones' voices in the background. We have had some really special moments, and we've had some moments of anger, frustration, and sadness. But that's all part of being a family, right?

Diane and Emily, you two have flipped my life right side up. You made my dad and I much better people. Who knows what our lives would be like if we didn't have each other?

I'm grateful that I have you guys to call a mom, a dad, and a sister. I don't feel the need to say the word "step-mom" or "step-sister." It just doesn't feel necessary.

We have traveled so many places together, shared so many stories, and talked about everything possible. I look forward to what the future holds for our family.

I love you all to the moon and back.