Everybody has that special woman or group of women in their life that helped raise them or motivated them in some way. Sometimes, those women are not appreciated. The grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, family friends are all women who have helped us along the way to become incredible human beings. I wanted to take some time out to show love to those women in my life. This is an open letter to all of you, the women who helped mold me into the young woman that I am today. You are appreciated and you've impacted me in so many ways. It could be with advice, a hug, laughs, money, sticking up for me, coming to events that I performed in during high school, helping me through college, no matter what, you've made a difference.

I'll start with Grandma. Grandma, you're a hot mess. An incredible, funny, intelligent, beautiful hot mess. You don't even look your age and you have the most flawless skin ever. You always want to wear a wig even when you know you have a great grade of hair. Your hugs are the warmest, and you're always trying to feed me which is good since I like to eat. Your banana pudding is the best I've tasted so far in my 20 years of existence, and it's probably going to be the best I taste in my whole life (I have friends who will agree). You give the best advice, and even if you think I ignore the Bible verses and messages you leave in my voicemail, I don't. I write them down on sticky notes and keep them for the times when I'm unsure of myself, sad, or just need a little pick-me-up. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful grandmother like you taught me to be a fierce young woman. You taught me how to write in cursive, how to carry myself as a queen and to keep God first, and I love you so much for that. Plus, you do a bomb twist out and fry some great chicken too.

Janice, you're one of Grandma's closest friends. You have such a kind spirit and you always have a story to tell or cookies for me to eat. I always fall asleep at your house because you always tell me to relax or chill out when Grandma makes me want to work. You are a great mother and phenomenal grandmother. I know Landon has a blast with you! Thank you for being a great role model and being such a great friend to my grandmother!

Nana, you may not have Facebook or social media, but you are truly appreciated. My father's mother died before I was born, so I technically only had one grandmother that I was around all the time. I count you as my second grandmother! You basically raised me while my mom worked. I will never forget our picture taking sessions with your Polaroid camera. I used to wear huge hats and your heels. I remember eating your amazing deviled eggs and watching WWE Smackdown with you. I remember taking naps and eating snacks with you and playing with Kendrick when I was younger. I love you very much, and no matter what, I'll always be your Baby Jane.

Aunt Ki, you're my best friend! Nah, I'm kidding. I'm just imagining you would say that. You have also made a huge impact on my life. Even if you are only eight years older than me and people confuse us for sisters, you're a huge influence on me. You're the reason I'm so cultured when it comes to music. I can listen to "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne one second, then "Chasing Pavements" by Adele, then I can switch to "All I Could Do Was Cry" by Etta James or I can listen to Lilweezyana by Lil Wayne or "East Atlanta 6" by Gucci Mane. You inspired me to write and draw and sing and dance. You played all these instruments and did all these things in your adolescence which moved me to do more and be like you. You were Mama's baby, and I was your baby, or your baby doll that you dressed up every time I messed up my clothes with spit up or food. You did my makeup for all my proms. You helped me get over stupid guys that broke my heart and then said we could go slash their tires. You took me to the Logic concert even though we were freaked out and wanted to leave a little early. Regardless of what you do or where you go, you're always going to be my favorite aunt (and yeah, you could say you're my best friend).

Mandy, I am so happy to have you in my life and I am so happy Ma has a friend like you. You're an amazing person with a huge heart who will literally take the shirt off her back for someone in need. You've been there through everything basically. You've been at proms, homecoming games, high school graduation, recitals, and you were the person to take me to my first G.H.O.E. You have such a fun and loving spirit, and I'm so glad that God put you in my life. Everybody needs an Amanda Miles-Felton in their life, but I'm happy I got the original Mandy. You've seen me through so many things, and we always have fun together. The next big thing you have to attend is my college graduation and my 21st birthday (wink wink).

To my godmother, Kysha, you are the absolute best. You are so funny, even when you aren't trying to be. You and Ma are the epitome of best friends. You both truly ride or die for each other. Your food is amazing, especially your cakes (pineapple and strawberry are the best!). I don't think Mama could've picked a better godmother for me. I am so happy to have you in my life and I appreciate everything you do. Thank you so much for everything, especially for helping me learn how to drive and make my turns since I was having a problem with that for some reason.

Gail, you may not know it, but you really impacted my life as well. You were the first person to lay your talented hands on my hair. You gave me my first relaxer. You took care of me when my mom and grandma couldn't walk in 2004. You were the person who did my big chop because I didn't trust anybody else to lay their hands on my head. You were the only one I know who could slay my hair and may it cute with a cut because that's just what you do. I may not talk to you much or come to Burlington that often anymore, but just know you made a great impact on my life. You have such a big heart and I appreciate all that you've done for me.

Does everybody see that picture above? Gail slayed my hair for prom.

Last but not least, my mama. Ma, we've been through a lot. I remember everything you've done and continue to do for me. Nothing you do goes unnoticed. I remember things you probably think I don't remember, like riding to Greensboro from Burlington in my green carseat as you drive through traffic feeding me. I remember always listening to 97.1 and learning all the oldies. I remember you introducing me to Chick-Fil-A. I remember you homeschooling me after the accident. I remember you teaching me to clean my room when I was younger and how to be independent. I remember how you told me to not be afraid to get out there and do what I wanted because God did not create the spirit of fear. I remember how you looked after my senior spotlight. I remember how you cried when you dropped me off at UNCG. I remember the lunch dates and phone calls and text messages. I remember your voice over the phone when I told you I sprained my ankle. I remember everything. I love you so much, and I am truly blessed to have such a mother as you. I hope to be half the mother that you are one day (and trust me, that's no time soon). I listen to your advice even when you think I don't. You inspire me to work hard and do better because you're such a hard worker. Don't worry, after I graduate, I got you.

I love each and every one of you, and if I forgot any special ladies, charge it to my head and not my heart. Thanks for being who you are. If you have a special lady or group of women in your life, let them know they are appreciated! The little things count.