Cousin. Aunt. Uncle. Mom. Dad. Grandma. Grandpa. It doesn't matter what I call you, or whether it's by blood or by marriage, you are my family, and I love you.

I grew up around a large family. I have an amazing mother, brother, and stepfather. I have over twenty cousins, four sets of grandparents, two sets of great-grandparents I was very fortunate to know, and more than enough aunts and uncles. I was never lacking in love anywhere, and I consider myself extremely blessed for that. My family has been my number one, my solid backbone, my shoulder to cry on, and I cannot thank them enough.

My upbringing was positive and affirmative. I know the differences between right and wrong. I was spanked when I misbehaved and rewarded when I did well. I never went hungry, I never went without and it was all because of my parents and the rest of my family.

Every family has traditions, values, and memories. I would not trade any of mine for the world. No event would I ever choose to forget because it has made us grow stronger together. We are not perfect, we are not your All-American cliche, but we are real and honest. We make mistakes, and we slip and fall, but in the end, we love each other and that is all that matters

So, to my family...

First of all, all of you are crazy. I mean legitimately, sometimes I think you're nuts. We have had the cops called on us at an eight year old's birthday party. You all can annoy me to no end whether it be with questions, trying to annoy me, pester me, or simply mess around with me...but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Thank you so much. Thank you for attending every game, every pre-dance picture session, every reunion, graduation and every big event in my life. Your unconditional support keeps me going. I can achieve my dreams because you, as my family, have supported me through everything in my life. You have been behind me, cheering me on and ready to catch me, need I fall. Beside me, helping me decide which step to take next. And in front of me, guiding me to what to do next.

Family is everything. I wish I could put it into words how much I am appreciative that I am able to go to birthday parties, Easters, Christmases, hospitals for a new baby, churches for a First Communion and all of the in-between's. My family loves me through every mistake I have made, every good and bad decision and every big and minor accomplishment in my life. And I can safely say that without them, I probably would not be the person I am today.

I love you all more than words can describe. Infinitely, unconditionally, and deeply.