"Family. Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one."

Ever since I was little, my grandparents have always played a huge part in my life. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today nor would I be where I am. I'm so thankful for both of them for many reasons.

When I was growing up, my parents each had their own issues in the past, so I lived with my grandparents until I moved to college. Even though most kids lived with their parents, my grandparents went out of their way to make sure I didn't feel any different from anyone else. I know they never intended on raising me for the latter part of my life, but I'm so glad that they were willing to do it anyway. I'm also glad that they got me into going to church and instilled the morals and values I have today.

Another reason that I'm thankful for my grandparents is because together, they both make an amazing support system. In high school, they both went to all of my functions ranging from homecoming day to football games even if neither of them really wanted to be there. Now that I'm in college and not living at home, it's strange not being able to spend so much time with family, but I know that I can always count on my grandma to call me every single day to ask how things are going at school and to see if I need anything. Most importantly though is the fact that I can always go to my grandparents for advice, which is what I usually do when I don't know what decision to make or which path to take. In the end, my grandma usually ends up telling it how it is without sugar coating the truth, which I admire.

Something else that I'm thankful for is the fact that my grandparents have always allowed me to make my own decisions even if they didn't necessarily like certain choices that I made. The best examples of this would be when I got my nose pierced and later, when I got my first tattoo. I was so afraid to even take the Band-Aid off of my nose to show my grandma what I had done. Even though she freaked out at first, she eventually accepted the fact, but was almost overjoyed when I decided to take my nose ring out. With the tattoo though, my grandma couldn't understand why I would even want one in the first place, and she told me that I would regret getting it. But as of right now, I don't.

Lastly, I'm thankful for my grandparents because they are my rock. I know I can count on them when college is getting the best of me and I can count on hearing my grandma say "You just need to pray about it and hope for the best." A lot of friends ask me why I always go home every weekend, and this is why. Without my grandparents doing everything that they have for me, I know for a fact I wouldn't be who I am today.