Dear Family,

Thank you.

Thank you for being the best family in the entire world for the past 20 years.

Thank you for loving me, even when I was hard to love *cough* middle school *cough.*

Thank you for never judging me for my strange obsessions, even when I was convinced I was going to marry Edward Cullen.

Thank you for always having my back, no matter what the circumstances...

But above all this, thank you for ALWAYS supporting my creativity.

Thank you for never shutting me down as a kid when I had a story to tell.

Thank you for taking an interest in my hobbies, and for always listening to my songs.

Thank you for allowing me to dress how I wanted and be an individual, even at four years old.

Thank you for supporting me when I told you that I wanted to go to England for two months when most people would've just said I was living in a fantasy world.

Thank you.

For so many years, I've borne witness to so many of my friend's dreams be shattered by unsupportive families.

It wasn't until very recently that I realized just how unbelievably blessed I am to have the family that I do, and that is something that I'll never take for granted.

My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and most of all, my parents, have always been on my side no matter what.

I was the most rambunctious, spirited, wild, loud and dramatic child to ever live, and still y'all supported me and loved me through it all.

I have never had to worry about being myself around my family.

I have never had to hide anything from my family.

I never had to fear your disapproval when I told y'all what I wanted to do with my future.

I have been unequivocally blessed with the family that I have, and they're always by my side no matter the circumstances.

I know that there are so many out there who are not as fortunate as I am, and my heart breaks for anyone who has not had the luxury of having an incredibly supportive family.

I couldn't imagine not being able to go to Momma about something that is bothering me or to not be able to go to Nonnie for a hug just because I need one.

Dad, you have ALWAYS told me that you and my family would love and support me no matter what I decided to do with my life, and that is what made me decide to stop being so scared and skittish about my future.

This family is the reason why I love to read, thanks Mimi, and why I know that I am destined for great things.

Having a family like y'all that supports, loves, cares for and understands me is exactly why I am the person that I am today.

Y'all have shown me what true love is.

Y'all have shown me just how important it is to follow your heart and to not care about what anyone else says about you.

Y'all have shown me how critical it is to have a support system behind you at all times and that family will ALWAYS be that support system.

Y'all have shown me how special and important my life is, that without me in your life; it would be forever changed and not as bright.

So thank you Cagle/Blackwell family, for being the best family in the entire world.

You've taught me more about love, life, happiness and self-love than anyone or thing on this giant rock could ever try.

I love y'all more than life.