I may be an only child, but I have more siblings than I could ask for. Sometimes you have to choose your own family. This is my thank you letter to the people in my life who have taken on the roles of my siblings.

To my big sister

Thank you for teaching me that happiness is a journey, not a destination. You are truly one of the kindest and most warm-hearted people that I have ever met. Even though you moved away and we don't get to see each other as often as we used to, I still look at you as a role model. You've always been there for me when I've needed you and have always been one of the biggest supporters that I've ever had. I would not trade our relationship for the world. Thank you for the late nights that started with me jumping over the fences that connected our backyards. I am forever grateful for the memories we have together. Thank you for teaching me to be open-minded, to fight for what I want and to always know that its okay to laugh at myself.

To my big brother

OK, so in this particular case, my big brother is someone who is already a part of my family. Although you are my uncle, my mom and dad treat you more like their son and I have always looked up to you as a big brother. Thank you for the relationship we share. I would have never made it through half of the family events we've endured had it not been for the hilarious text messages we would send each other when no one was looking. We are so alike sometimes it scares me, but that is what makes us so close. Thank you for being a rock for me in times of grief, even though I know how hard those times were for you, you were always there by my side. You've shown me what it means to have a good heart. You'll always be one of my heroes.

To the Huey and Dewey to my Lewey

Having best friends like the two of you has changed my life in ways that are completely unimaginable. Since the seventh grade, the three of us have been inseparable. Thank you for coming with me on all of my family vacations, for the countless number of sleepovers and for genuinely becoming a part of my family. Even my extended family questions where you guys are when your not with me at family events. Thank you for being second children to my parents; they love you unconditionally. Thank you for being there for the ups and downs in the crazy roller coaster ride of life. We have laughed together, we have cried together, I don't know how I would have made it through some of the hardships we have faced had we not been able to do it together. You have both been by my side through some of the most difficult times I have ever faced and I am eternally blessed to have you as in my life.

To my little sister

Although you literally drive me crazy all the time, I don't know what I would do without you. You are my favorite person to go to for advice, and someone who never passes judgement. You are wise beyond your years and you always know just what to say. I am so happy that we share such a close bond. Thank you for all of the late nights at Applebee's, for the summer nights sitting by the fire (even though you always annoyed me to climb on the roof), and for having dance parties with me in the car. Most of all, thank you for being you and for being a part of my life.

To my (other) little sister

I've watched you grow up since you were five years old. I am unbelievably proud of the young lady you have become. I am so happy that we have been able to spend so much more time together lately. You are such a sweet girl with a heart of gold. You do so much for other people and are one of the most considerate people I have ever met. You are incredible. Thank you for always making me smile. Keep going in the direction you're headed and you are destined for greatness.