To the people that taught me the true meaning of family,

First of all, I should start with the man who brought all of these wonderful family members into my life, my step-dad. At the ripe age of 24, you met the woman you’d spend the rest of your life with. That woman wasn’t the only person who’d be in your life forever, a little curly-haired 4-year-old girl came along with her. I know at such a young age you were scared you wouldn’t be good enough or if you were even ready to be a father, but since you’ve come into my life you’ve been my everything. You always said that from the moment you met me, I had you “wrapped around my little finger," looking back I really did. You’ve given up everything for me and you’ve worked your butt off to make sure I would have an amazing life. You even sent me to a private school so I would have a better education and I could stay with all of my friends because you knew how badly I wanted to go. As the saying goes “Any man can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a dad." You’ve given me pure happiness in life and I couldn’t ask for a better man to call my dad, especially if you can love me even with my struggle of keeping my room clean....

My amazing grandparents, from the moment you met me I was your grandchild. You always include me in everything and keep me spoiled. From grandpa always taking me out fishing to grandma’s amazing home cooking, I’ve always felt like I belonged. I love going on the vacations we take together. My 16th birthday trip to Hawaii with grandma was absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a cooler grandma than you. Although Hawaii was awesome, we had a wonderful grandparents and grandchildren trip to Florida this past winter, from going to grandma’s favorite (Texas Roadhouse) to kayaking with manatees (my favorite animal), I owe it all to my amazing grandparents who take me to do these awesome things. One way you show your love is how you pick up on the little things, like how I mentioned I wanted a hammock when we moved into our new house and months later I unwrapped a very comfortable hammock on Christmas. I love the wise words you give to me, like how the kind-hearted man who looks like Santa tells me to always smile and say “hello” to a stranger, yes grandpa I’m talking about you. My favorite way you show your love is how every time I’m with you, you hug me goodbye and tell me that you love me. That small gesture is the best thing in the world to me. So thank you for claiming me as your granddaughter, because I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Lastly, but certainly not least, the rest of my crazy step-family which include my aunts, uncles, and cousins. To my step-aunts, thank you for being the women I can look up to and will always be there to give me advice no matter how absurd it is. My big brave step-uncles that will do anything to care for me and protect me, even if it means giving me a quiz on a movie I went to go see with a boy, which I completely aced. To my big cousins, thank you for always picking on me, now that I’m older I know it was only because you loved me and you had to. Thank you for letting me beat you with my purse (which I doubt that you remember) and for sleeping with the Build-a-Bear I got for you while you were deployed. To my little cousin, thank you for coming to me for girl advice, even if I have to pry it out of you. Also, thank you for being embarrassed by me, it shows me I’m doing my job as your big cousin. Thank you for being able to put a smile on my face with your weird humor. Thankfully as we've all grown together, we've only gotten closer.

You all have shown me unconditional love and I couldn’t ask for a more loving family. From the beginning, you’ve welcomed me with open arms. I only hope that I give you as much love as you give me. For you all, my wonderful step-family, I am forever grateful.

Finally, thank you for showing me that family doesn’t always need to share the same blood. Thank you for being my real family and not letting the word "step" change your love for me.