To my people:

I’m lucky. Actually, I am more than lucky. In the randomness that is this world, I was born into something wonderful. That something wonderful is you. The people who came together to raise me, under whose guidance and support I’ve become who I am today.

I can’t thank you enough. I wasn’t a hard child to raise, sure. I was quiet and determined and independent. But you looked deep into my eyes and understood me for me. You never questioned who I was, but accepted all my flaws. You brought me to festivals and cities and art galleries and inspired me to look bigger than my small town. You. My family.

Thank you for showing me integrity. Watching you interact with others on a daily basis is something I am continuously grateful for. Thank you for allowing me to witness your generosity and passion. I am lucky to have had such an example set to me by the three generations that came before me.

Thank you for signing you cards, “I love you more than you know” (which makes me cry every time), and telling me you’re proud of me even though you want me to come home. Being far away is easy until I think about how much you need me and how much I need you.

I talk about you all the time, and I’m sure my friends get sick of it. But the fact that I can talk about the good times we’ve had reminds me not to take you for granted. Because not everyone is able to have what we have.

So, thank you for letting me decorate the Christmas tree, sift through your old photos, and join you on adventures. Thank you for letting me boss you around and convince you to try new things (I’m sorry for all the times I accidentally hurt you). Thank you for letting me lick the spoon after you finish baking, and for always knowing what I like. Thank you for laughing with me, crying with me, and just sitting beside me. Thank you for encouraging me to push through fear, and for always showing up when I needed you. I know that I can be closed off at times, and I don’t always say what I feel. But I want you to know that I could not be more proud to be a part of this family.

I can see the qualities that bind us together, and those that make us unique. I see that our relationship is one that will never fade and that calms me day-by-day. You’ve taught me everything I know, and unintentionally shaped me into who I am today. When I look around the table(s) at our get-togethers and see everyone together and happy, I can’t help but feel at ease. Our times together are the happiest times of my life. In all reality, home is wherever I am with you.

Though we aren’t together now, I’ll always have something to look forward to. Thank you for missing me, because I really miss you.