Knowing today that I start college in less than a week, I decided to look back on the people who developed me into the person I am today.

Mom.

Pop.

Grandma.

Zachary.

Dear mom,

For all my life I was hard on you. In my defense the struggles I faced weren't exactly my doing. Regardless, you still always stood by my side. Whether it was my countless emergency room visits, or endless days spent in a hospital room. Back then it was only me and you, because my bestfriends were forbidden to enter. You were there. No matter how many times doctors denied me when I claimed I was in excruciating pain, you never gave up. Fast forward to my final week before the scariest moment in my schooling career, I once again spent my final week of summer in a hospital bed. I face the struggle of daily pain, but you are always there to comfort me. It takes a lot to be a mom, but it takes an extra step to be my mom. I thank god every day that I have someone as strong as you to look over me. I love you.

Dear pop,

Remember back in the day when we would go out in the front yard and rake the leaves, and you'd push me in the wheelbarrow. Whenever things get hard on me I think about those days. Life was much simpler then. You are not only my grandfather, a part of you will always be my father. You stepped up when I needed you most. You helped me discover who I am and everything I do is because of you and gram. You take it upon yourself to brag about my accomplishments and never mention my faults. You make me proud knowing how hard you work to make me, and everyone else in our family happy. You are the backbone to everything I have ever done. You are always in the audience clapping the loudest. I am proud to be able to call you my pop. I love you.

Dear grandma,

When I was little you taught me everything from my ABC's to multiplication. You taught me what it was like to have a second mom. I had someone who would drop everything to drive me places or just hang out with me. You are the reason I loved school and loved learning. You are one of the reasons I have always been so successful in everything I ran after. As I continue my transition into college, and a healthier lifestyle for myself, I know you'll be right by my side. Sometimes I worry about how much you worry about me. I know it's just the motherly instinct in you, but I promise I'll always be okay. Thank you for being my bestfriend for eighteen years of my life. I love you.

P.s. I know I'm both of your favorites when it comes to grandchildren (even when you say they don't pick favorites, trust me we all know)

Dear zachary,

You have never given up on me. Being my boyfriend you understand my daily struggles. Constantly working myself too hard, stressing about the little things. You taught me in nine short months what others could not get through to me in 18 years. With you I learned the true meaning of what it's like to live a little more and worry a little less. You are my bestfriend. Zachary price you are my rock. I found a diamond in a pile of rubble. I am the person I am today because of you. Without you I would have spent endless nights crying alone, worrying about what I will become and who will believe in me even when I fail. Because of you I know that every accomplishment, every failure, every piece of my puzzle will be accepted because of the unconditional love you never fail to show. I am forever thankful that you picked me to be your forever, and to show me the importance of life. I am eternally grateful I get to be a part of your family. Here's to forever. thank you for always being on my side. I am in love with you.

As I continue my journey to PSU, I promise to always make you proud. I promise to work hard and overcome my fears. I promise to give back to each and everyone of you someday.

Love always, sie