To My Family and My Grandmother,

Each of you gave me the resources I needed to be successful. You gave me the opportunities necessary for when I needed help. You never judged me, you never questioned me, you supported me. I'm so proud to be apart of this family, even though I'm not exactly blood, I know I'm treated as if I am, and I'm forever grateful that I was raised as one of your own.

Grandma, I guess by now this is probably the 500th letter I've written you, but I can not express my sincerest gratitude. You're an amazing human being, and no matter what I will alway truly believe this. You're my inspiration, you're a hero, you're a leader, and most importantly you're a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a friend. I may not have had a typical childhood, but I will never be ashamed of the one you gave me. You gave up a lot so I would have plenty. You gave me a spectacular education, you made sure I never went hungry, you clothed me, you encouraged me, you gave me a chance to live.

Grandma, you could have lived a completely different life, one where you didn't have to raise a child who wasn't yours after raising three of your own, but you gave up everything to take care of me. Of course, you had help, like grandpa, Aunt Liz, Aunt Marissa, and Anthony. Each of you gave up something, so I could have anything. You all encouraged me to be great, successful, strong, and I hope that I've finally made you all proud. It's hard to think of where I would be without each of you. I don't think I'd be anything. I credit my success to myself, but only because you guys motivated me and encouraged me.

There isn't enough thank you's in the world. There isn't any specific way I could show you guys how blessed I am. I wish I could repay each of you, but I could never imagine the amount of love it took for you to do what you did for me. Thank you for always defending me, thank you for protecting me, thank you for inspiring me, thank you for contributing to my life, my growth, and thank you for guiding me.

When people say their blood family it's just a term for saying you're genetically and biologically related to certain people. These certain people you can't select, but rather God, selects them for you. Although God selects them to be your blood, it doesn't mean God selects them to be your one true family.

If there is one thing I learned it's that blood may be thick, but the unconditional love I have for you, my family, is significantly thicker.

I love you all, always.

Love,

Your granddaughter, your niece, and your cousin.