Family has always meant the world to me and my family is a group of individuals who I would do absolutely anything for. Being the only child of both my Mom and Dad, I have two half siblings and three step siblings. Aside from my siblings, I am beyond grateful to be surrounded by four sets of grandparents, three aunts, four uncles, a total of 19 cousins, and my step parents.

When my parents got a divorce when I was five years old, I thought it was the end of the world. Once I got older and began to understand and appreciate more, I noticed that having divorced parents would not be that bad since I would only be gaining great relationships with even greater people. As I was highly resistant at first to allowing new people into my life, I learned fast that I could only gain better things from there. Everyone from my step dad all the way to my step mom’s grandparents is part of a greater group of individuals than I could have asked to be introduced to 13 years ago. As for my whole family, there are countless things I am beyond grateful for about you guys. While the list could go on and on, here are just a few.

1. Your love

There are so many things that money can buy in this world but love is not one of them and I am so thankful for all of the love you all have provided me with. Whether is it love over social media, love through a hug or more of a love-hate connection between us, receiving love from so many people is a feeling that can not be beat.

2. Your support

Coming from such a large family, we all have seen and experienced it all. From the good to the bad, we have been through it all together. No matter the situation, whether it is one of us graduating from college, someone having a baby, or one of us being diagnosed with cancer, the support shown for each and every one of us is something very special between us all. Whether one of us is shooting all the way to the stars or falling through the core of the earth, we always have each other’s backs through it all.

3. Our crazy family vacations and picnics

Nothing quite beats putting 12 of us on a beach together or 30 of us in someone’s backyard for a holiday picnic. Regardless of the environment, we can always count on a great time with our family!

4. The solid friendships I have with my cousins

It doesn't matter the amount of friendships one has, but nothing is better and stronger than a bond between two cousins. Someone I consider one of my best friends in my life is a younger cousin of mine. Being practically cousins genetically, I don't know what I would be without her by my side. Experiencing very similar experiences and times throughout our lives, our connection to each other is something no one would ever be able to replace. Life is always more fun with many cousins by your side!

5. Our unbreakable bond

As much as our family fights and argues with one another about someone or something, we all would do anything for one other at the end of the day. Though many relationships within our group are stronger than others, we are all still considered one great big happy family and nothing will ever be able to change that.