Dear family,

I want to take the time to thank you, all of you. Regardless of the distance, since half of live in New York, the other half here in Georgia, we have managed to stay close, and because of that, I feel beyond blessed. From the outside looking in, some people could see my little family as incomplete, but because of you, all I have five sisters instead of one, five brothers instead of two, three moms and two dads. You have all had such an influence on me growing up, and I don't think I'd be the same person I am today if you hadn't treated me as one of your own.

Thank you for the memories.

Being together as one big family every summer is one of my best memories. It was a time when we forgot all our troubles for one week and focused on each other. For one week every year, we were whole again. We became sisters and brothers because of those weeks, and even though we fought and bickered, it was beautiful. I hope, even though we are all older now and some with families of our own, we can uphold this tradition and have our children grow together.

Thank you for the support.

No matter the distance (which is about 1,600 miles), the support you all offered me has helped me realize that I can reach for the stars. I have never doubted my dreams because of you, and I'm now pursing my passion and am almost done with my bachelor's degree. All of you pursued your dreams too, and you taught me by doing. Mom, you have balanced so much in your life, including going to school with four kids and a full time job, and your perseverance taught me I can do anything. Without you, I don't know where I'd be, but I do know that I'm so happy with where I am now.

Thank you for your time.

I have been blessed to be able to have spent massive amounts of time with all of you, my cousins and my aunts and uncles, and you all welcomed me with open arms. You took my family under your wings at certain points of our lives, and treated my brother and I as if we were your own children. We were able to all grow closer as a family, and the bonds created between all of us makes the distance, whether it be a mile or thousands of miles, well worth it.

Thank you for teaching me about family.

Seeing you all (mom and all the aunts and uncles) go out of your way to make time for each other taught me that family is so important. No matter what was going on in our lives, you are all there for each other offering your ears and advice and helping each other. You are so close, and because of you, I'm able to apply those qualities to my current life. Not only am I able to stay so close to my own siblings, I'm still so close with my cousins. I've learned that no matter where I am in life, family is my top priority because they are the people that will always have my back.

I know how blessed I am to have a family as great as you guys, and I know there was a point in my life where I took you all for granted. I want you all to know that I'm aware of how amazing each one of you are, and my heart is full of thanks for you. We may be loud, big and crazy, but we suit each other. I can't wait to see what other memories we create in the future.

Love,

Me