I knew I wanted siblings but I never knew that I wanted all of you, 41, obnoxiously loud, encouraging, energetic, insanely amazing brothers and sisters. I definitely never wanted even two parents, but I REALLY never knew I wanted my four parents/aunts/uncles/all of the above, or even one crazy DJ/grandma (you had to be there, I guess). I got all of that (it’s okay, you can be jealous), in Flyer Promise. To the family I chose, I thank you.

Thank you for finally giving me an environment where I can be my true self. Whether that be screaming/singing “No Scrubs” by TLC on the bus rides or crying about literally anything, I know that I can count on every single one of you. I know you may get tired of my seriously loud pessimism and awkwardness, but you never let that show (most of the time).

Thank you for keeping my attitude in check and reminding me that now that we’re family, I can’t just pick up and leave. I know the idea of leaving the program runs around my head everytime the word “exam” comes to mind, but I know that there you will be to tell me to get my (you know what) to class and to stop watching Teen Mom reruns before doing my homework. You’re even there when I try skipping an event and literally make me go anyway.

Thank you for being all I have ever asked for put into one group of people. Thank you for reminding me that there is love in the world and that there are reasons to keep living. Thank you for helping me with homework problems, staying up late to have deep conversations about life with me, hugging me when I wanted to literally fall off the face of the earth and for carrying me through this past year when I couldn’t walk anymore.

Thank you for loving me more than I could ever imagined being loved. Thank you all for saving my life. You all have not only loved me, but have showed me that I can and SHOULD love myself too...and there’s nothing I can ever say to be enough to thank you all for that.

Sincerely,

Your sister/daughter/niece/granddaughter/friend BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, forever family