To whom it may concern,

I'm not sure who to address because there are so many of you. I once called you my family; we used to spend birthdays and holidays together, take summer vacations, and I remember spending a number of weekends at your house in the summer. I have many fond memories with you that I will cherish until my last breath. It's crazy to think that I once called you my family and now you are strangers.

It's a sad reality, but most people take their family for granted. Whether that be their close family (i.e. parents and siblings) or their extended family (i.e. grandparents, aunts, cousins, etc.), most people don't realize the luxury they have in having the opportunity to share their life with so many people who love them. Although I never took my family for granted, I never realized that family could become strangers in the blink of an eye. I never realized that people you thought loved you and cared about you could walk out of your life like they were never in it to begin with. It's a sad realization when you know that things will never be the same. It's even worse when you don't speak to half of your family because of issues that could never be resolved. They say that blood is thicker than water, yet I have seen otherwise.

To the family who walked out of my life, I forgive you. I was angry for years and questioned how you could do such a thing, but I have since forgiven you and moved on. I have since forgiven you and have accepted the fact that family holidays will always be small because you want no part in it. I have accepted the fact that you will not be at my wedding and that my future children will never know you. I have accepted that fact that you are strangers and life will never be what it once was. I have since forgiven you and the weight I have been carrying with me all these years has been lifted. Because I forgave you and stopped dwelling on the situation, I am free. However, don't take my forgiveness as a sign of weakness. Just because I forgave you does not mean I will allow you back into my life. My forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.

To the family who has stood by my side for the last 18 years of my life, thank you. Thank you for proving that family is the most important thing. Thank you for showing up when I needed you, whether that was for moral support, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to laugh with. Thank you for proving to me that sometimes blood is thicker than water.

One of the most challenging obstacles I have had to overcome in my life is accepting the fact that just because someone is related to you doesn't mean they are going to be present in your life. While I will always question why my family can't be normal, it makes me appreciate the family I do have, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Sincerely,

A Stranger You Once Knew