I was unfortunate in the fact that I was born to two parents who could not handle raising a child or love me in the way I deserved. 19 years ago, two months after I was born, is where my grandparents stepped in.

Since I could remember, I have lived with my grandparents. When I was younger, I was kind of embarrassed because everyone else had two young parents and I only had my grandparents. I had it pretty good growing up with them. We had cable and a VCR, my grandma made dinner every night and we all ate together. My grandparents go me new school clothes every year and took me shopping a lot and made sure I always had all my school supplies.

Going through high school, everyone goes through a rebellious stage. Dealing with parents that don't want you doesn't make it easier, it makes you angry and resentful, without a place to put your feelings. Mine was thinking I was a know it all and acting like I was such an adult when I was 17 (I was such an idiot). I couldn't see then exactly what it meant for me to have my grandparents instead of my parents and to be in such a good home.

During my years, I was unfortunate that I knew a lot of really amazing people without the things I had.

I have been friends with people who didn't have a roof over their head.

I have been friends with people who didn't know where their next meal was coming from.

I have been friends with people who came to school covered in bruises.

I have been friends with people who's little sisters were molested by their fathers.

I have been friends with people who have walked in on their parents shooting up or had to call 911 because they overdosed.

I have been friends with people who have lost one or both of their parents.

I have been friends with people who could not afford school supplies.

and it wasn't until I started getting older and wishing that I could just help all of these people have the things I have, that I realized how truly lucky I am to have been saved from a horrible situation.

I encourage you to take a second to look at everything you have and realize how blessed you are.