We all have that one family that feels so close to our own, but aren't actually blood related. When I was about 13 years old I met my second family. I already had two parents and two sisters of my own, but I never knew I would gain 4 more family members. I am 22 years old now and I love them more and more each day. This wasn't a family I asked for, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

When I was 13 I met a little girl named Meeghan. Long story short...we didn't get along at first. She could do a cartwheel and I couldn't. I loved my new shoes and she hated them. Though it didn't take long and before we knew we were inseparable. We bonded over Jonas Brothers and making weird youtube videos...not that anything has changed. We grew so close that people either thought we were related or even dating. If we even dared to go anywhere without one another the first question we would get asked is "Where's Meeghan?" or "Where's Stephanie?" I'd be lying if I said we were just as close as we were when we were little. As we get older, we get even closer. If that's even possible? I am a senior in college and don't get me wrong, I love my college friends, but no one is Meeghan. I may have 2 sisters already, but a third won't hurt.

As Meeghan and I grew closer, I started to meet the rest of the family. I soon found out I finally had a little brother named Michael. Now growing up with sisters I never knew what it was like to have a brother until then. Michael is the best brother I could have asked for. He is one of the smartest, funniest, and most talented human being to ever walk this planet. I am so happy to have met such an incredible person. I have learned so much from him and I couldn't be anymore grateful.

The last two family members I met were my second parents Julie and Mike, or as I call them, Mom and Dad. Walking into a house and feeling so welcome is the best feeling in the world. I can't even remember a time I didn't feel comfortable being in my second home and I thank my parents for that. No matter what happens in life, I know I can always go to my parents. I can walk in the house uninvited and have a plate of food already waiting for me. I have always been treated like I was one of theirs and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I have the privilege to call the Rossi's my family. I don't know what the future holds for me, but I do know that I will have my second family right there with me. They have seen me at my best and worst, but never judged or treated me different. Not only have they welcome me, but the rest of my family. Thank you all for letting me sleepover for all the countless times and never getting sick of me. Thank you for making sure I never go hungry, even if you weren't expecting to cook for another person. Thank you for listening and caring when I needed it most.

To my second family, thank you for allowing me into the family. I am forever thankful for everything you do for me. I love you all.