Dear Mom and Grandma,
As always, I have so much to say to both of you and am so happy to be home with you. This year has been difficult on all accounts, but you have been there for all of it. Thank you for helping me along and walking me through everything.
This entire year has been rough. I graduated high school, and then moved on almost immediately. Suddenly all we were worried about was checking things off of the packing list, and making sure my paperwork was in order. Well, we finally made it through the first year away from home, and I'm so grateful that we did.
This week and every week, I am ever grateful for how helpful you have been through everything, not just this year. You both took me in when I was younger, and I am happy that you made that decision. There's no way of telling where I would be right now if I didn't have you both, and I don't really want to think about it either. You both mean so much to me, and I want you to get a better idea of it.
Mom—don't cry. I know that I don't tell you enough, but I am so grateful to have you in my life. Although we sometimes don't get along, I am glad that you argue with me about the little things (it helps me learn to debate with people better). You have pushed me to do things out of my comfort zone, including doing things that were hours away from home, and the pushing has been so helpful at times that I am amazed at what it all lead to. I got so many opportunities throughout high school and my first year of college, and as always, you continue to push me on and convince me that I can do it.
Grandma--you're going to cry anyway, so at least get yourself some tissues. I want to let you know how much I love and appreciate you. I also want to thank you for everything. You have taught me so much more than either of us realize. I have learned manners and the meaning of life from you, but I have also gained skills. I can sew, quilt, cook and bake because you were patient enough to teach me. Thank you for teaching me to read and drive. Thank you for being there for every broken heart, every fall, every scrape and every event you could. You have always been very busy, but I'm so thankful that you were able to fight for time to spend with me.
I am eternally grateful for you both. You are amazing people and wonderfully mine. I am so happy that you were willing to take me in and give me a chance at a great life. Although there have been some bumps, I am so glad that I am the way I am, and I owe every bit of that to you. You have shaped me into the woman I am today, and I hope to be as good to my daughter as you have been to me. Thank you for everything.
I love you with all my heart and every bit of my soul,
Your little girl
