To you, his mother:

If I could give you all of the thank you's in the world, it still wouldn't be enough. You have brought me into your family and treated me as your own. Thank you for accepting me for who I am, flaws and all, and believing in me when no one else did. Thank you for supporting me in my dreams, and pushing me forward when I feel hopeless.

Thank you for including me in family affairs, even if I didn't know anyone there! You included me in so many things and introduced me to so many new people that I have grown to love and respect. Memories are valuable, so I adore that you trust me to be part of such beautiful family memories. Thank you for trusting me with your son - I know it was hard. I promise I will do everything in my power not to break his heart, I know how valuable it is to you.

Most importantly, thank you for raising your son to be a respectful, loyal, and kind man. He is the most selfless individual I know, and I believe he got that from you. There aren't many good guys in the world; in fact, they're one in a billion.

Thank you for giving me that one.

To you, his father:

It hurts my heart to think I will never meet you face to face. From the home videos I've seen, I see so much of you in your son. Fuck cancer. I will never be able to laugh with you or hug you, but I do feel your presence all over your home. It's even said that you send bluejays to your family; a gentle reminder that you're keeping watch as their guardian angel. Although cut brief (again, FUCK CANCER), thank you for raising your son to have a remarkable sense of humor. I've heard countless stories of you, and I was told that right as you stepped into a room, you brought happiness and humor to everyone in it.

Well, your son is the same way.

He steps into any place, whether it be at school or even at a doctors appointment, and he makes an everlasting effect on people. Thank you for giving him his passion for sports. Seeing your son light up in such a way during a football game actually brings people together, and there is nothing more beautiful than that.

Lastly, thank you for being a guardian angel for your son. You may not be here on earth to keep him safe and healthy, but you're doing so much for him behind Heaven's pearly gates. I know, I will never officially greet you with a physical touch. However, I am looking forward to seeing your family's faces light up when they share memories of you.

Next time I see a bluejay, I'll be sure to say hello.

To you, his sister:

Growing up in a family with an older sister, I've always wanted a younger one. So when I found out that your brother had a sister, I wanted to make a damn good impression on you. Thank you for allowing me to date your brother, especially knowing how protective you are of him. You are one of the only people who can cheer me up when I'm feeling low JUST by being your natural, goofy self.

You are so beautiful and fierce; you are the TRUE definition of a free spirit, and I admire that. You're going to go so far in life; never forget your worth. Thank you for not judging me based off of my reputation from high school, which is all you ever really knew.

You gave me a clean slate and welcomed me with open arms, and I appreciate that more than you will ever know.

To you, his friends

Thanks for letting me tag along and be "one of the guys". I know you all were probably confused when your best friend started to bring around a girl, since it was so new. Thanks for listening to my "girl" problems, and letting me vent to you, even if you were clueless. But, a bigger thanks for being loyal to your best friend, through thick and thin.

I look forward to bothering you and being a major pain in your ass when he and I annoy you with our cuteness.

And to all of the rest of his family - his aunts, uncles, neighbors, his grandmother, cousins, and childhood friends:

Thank you all for molding this man into who he is today; the man I fell so deeply in love with. Thank you all for supporting our relationship, and helping us start our life together. Thank you for accepting me into your lives, and being so kind to me. So a million-and-one times: thank you, thank you, thank you.

You all hold a special place in my heart, and my world has become so bright because of all of you.