As I finish packing for my move to Lexington, I have some thoughts. How in the world did I get to this point? And based on my life and situation, could any of this have ended up differently? Honestly, before I had even made any thoughts on applying to college, I was in an abusive home with no possible outlook on life. Would I be dead right now if I stayed with my abusive parent? Maybe, but I thankfully will never have to know. Having the luck and wit to escape that environment has taken effect, and here I am, fixing to move away and live on my own for a few months.

I owe everything to my grandparents. They are the only adults in my family who have constantly taken the time and effort to actually raise me and help me understand how this weird world works. I guess you can say I don't live in a conventional family, but hey, that's what happens when your father disappears and your mother beats you out of an unfounded jealousy. These folks took me in, as a result, and they didn't question anything about the situation. My grandparents believed in me when others couldn't and wouldn't. When I wanted to give up (there were multiple instances), my grandfather told me to "cooperate and graduate." So I did the best I could, and every time I felt despair coming onto me, he'd repeat the mantra. My grandmother took the time to get me help. She took me to therapy and doctor's appointments. She taught me how to drive and figure out legal stuff I'd have to file as I would get older. More importantly, she taught me that it's okay to be sad, so long as you get help afterwards.

Grandma, Grandpa, I know sometimes that I can be aggravating, and I apologize for that. A lot of the time, you have both expressed the irritation that comes with raising kids that aren't your own, no thanks included. Well, I just wanted to let you know that here I am, saying thank you. Sometimes, I wish you were my real parents - you both have given me love and care that only parents can give, and you've kept an eye on me since I was an ugly-looking Buddha Baby. I owe you so much more than a thank you, but I know that's what you two want to hear from me more than anything else. Thank you for everything.