To think that she was 16 when I was born. She loved me and cherished me while I grew. She taught me quite a few things and we formed an unbreakable relationship.

There were lots of times my aunt would let me spend the night and we would stay up watching Jersey Shore and laughing at what was happening. We would go on different trips to the store and sing Mariah Carey at the top of our lungs.

I learned early on that the relationship that my aunt and I had formed was nothing like any of the other friendships I had with other people.

I didn't really understand the relationship that we had, but I know that I was very grateful for it. I spent most of my time with her when I wasn't with my friends from school, and most of that time was filled with laughter and smiles!

Honestly, I knew that I loved my aunt and that she was my aunt, but I never realized or imagined that our relationship would grow like it did. High school took a turn for the worst and she was the only one there for me.

Throughout high school, I was back and forth living with my aunt and my grandparents, and a lot of that is because I didn't have a relationship with my mom. My aunt always opened her home and heart to me, and at the end of my high school career, I officially moved in with her, and have been living there ever since.

Since I now live with my best friend, these past two years have been a blast! Most people would look at it as weird that I live with my aunt instead of my parents, but I think that it doesn't matter what others think as long as I am safe and with family.

I've had so much fun being with my aunt these past couple years and they have been filled with so many fun memories. From zoo trips, high school graduation, dinner dates, girl days, and going to Panda Express without my cousins, it has been such a wild ride.

Aunt Rachel, or better known as Raerae, I am so thankful for you being my best friend. You have taught me what a friendship really is and how to love the ones around me. Thank you for all of the fun memories, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

I love you.