My senior year of high school I was lucky enough to meet who I call my second family.

I met my best friend the summer before my senior year began in 2014. He was in a few of my classes and since then we have grown very close. This summer we have been hanging basically every other day and somehow we haven't gotten sick of each other.

We started hanging out almost every Friday or Saturday night that fall and I began to feel connected to his family. His family is one most welcoming and loving families I have ever met. His mom is very sweet and always wants to know what is going on in my life. His dad is very kind and is always asking questions as well. His sister is one of the sweetest girls I have ever known. She puts others needs before hers and always wants to make sure everyone else is okay, but is also very strong and knows when she needs to take a step back and focus on herself. I admire her a lot and look up to her when I need strength. I love her like my sister and I am so grateful that I have her in my life.

My best friend is my rock. He has been there for me throughout all the changes of senior year, of my grandfather passing, throughout my first year of college, and has dealt with me countless times with all of my doubts of myself. We work off of each other and at times I truly believe that we balance each other out. He knows how to calm me down, all of my favorite things (mainly Disney movies/quotes and corny jokes), and we have the best of times even when we do the simplest things.

My point in sharing my story is to point out that you don't have to be blood to be family. I found my "people" at a challenging point in my life and they have been there for me ever since. We have known each other only two years, but with all of the love they each show me I feel like I have been a part of their family for years. I hope that everyone is lucky enough to find people that they have this connection with.

A family shows unconditional love and support. Yes, you may fight but in the end it may be for your best interest. A family sticks together through tough times and works off of each other when needed.

This is a thank you to my second family. Thank you for always believing in me and being there for me during my tough times. I appreciate you more than you know and I love you unconditionally. I hope to be what you are to me to someone else in my life, to show them how much I care for them. Thank you for loving me and always dealing with my sometimes crazy self. Here's to many more years!