Dear Ohana,

Before anything I would like you all to know how much I love you and how much I appreciate you all. I know that no matter the distance or how little we may talk, I will always have you.

Throughout my years I have seen families completely fall apart and lose all confidence in one another. And yeah, we all have our rough patches but I'm happy to see that we are all still family and will always acknowledge that fact. We may have rocky relationships with one another from time to time but, what family doesn't. Being a family means being able to see past those grudges in times of need, and I know that my family is capable of that because in the long run we will always love one another.

I don't know where I would be without the tremendous amount of support I get from you all. To me, that's one of the most important values in a family system. It doesn't matter what obstacle may come in my way because I know that you guys have always and will always be there to help me battle through. Regardless of the situation, I know that I get a phone call or text from most of you with words or support, motivation, or gratitude.

Growing up with a big family meant that whenever there were family get togethers, they were practically parties. If we plan to have a small birthday celebration, it never really turns out small. I'll always remember inviting people to our gatherings and telling them that it was only going to be a few aunts, uncles and cousins. They never realized how much just a few is in our family until they saw the whole gang filing through the door.

To my immediate family:

You guys know the amount of gratitude I have for knowing that you are always there for me when I need it the most. Often times, I like to act like a b*tch but you guys know you find a way of knocking that down and showing my soft side sometimes. I know I don't say I love you as much as you may want me to but, I'd rather show my admiration than say it. I'm truly blessed to see you guys on a daily basis and constantly feel the love I have from you guys.

To my cousins:

First, second, or third. It doesn't matter because a cousin is a cousin and I see you all the same. We all range in different ages, from 4 to 36 all of you are still some of the closest people I have in my life. For the ones who fall into the closer years to me, I love that I can share with you some of my deepest secrets and everything will be okay. If I ever need advice, some of you are the first ones I run to and you guys aren't scared to be completely honest with me. We can be a crazy bunch when we're all together but that's what makes us so fun. We can be completely comfortable around on another and that's truly a great quality to have when it comes to a group as large as us.

To my aunts and uncles:

Same goes as the cousins, first and second you both still deserve the title of "titi" or "tio". Throughout my life I knew that I always had a group or aunts and uncles that I can look up to and lean on. All of you have shown me that I can be the best me possible and have always pushed me in the right direction. I'm truly thankful for all of your words of encouragement and admiration. Over the past few years I have gotten a lot closer with you guys, which doesn't necessarily mean that I text you guys all the time but when it does come to a family outing I will come and hang out with you guys a little more. (It's kind of awesome being invited to both the kiddie and the adult table now.) Honestly, I think you guys are actually crazier than the cousins I have but, we must have gotten it from somewhere and hey for what it's worth I love your craziness cause once again it shows the comfort we have with one another.

To my grandparents:

I'm fortunate enough to have met all 4 of my grandparents. With each and every one of you I have always been loved. You guys have always shown me just how much you care. Whether its making my favorite meals, getting me little presents, or taking me out I have always seen the love you guys have for me. I don't remember much, but some of the times we have shared have been the few memories I have kept close to me.

To the family that isn't blood:

Some of you have proved to be some of the stongest links in the family chain. Whenever we go to a family outing, I can always count on seeing you guys there too. You all have supported and motivated just as much as all the other previously mentioned family members. It wasn't your job to be there for the family but you all were there proving that sometimes water is just as thick as blood.

To the family that has passed away:

I miss you. Every single one of you. I'm honestly honored to know that you are looking down on me wherever I go. I keep a lot of our memories close to me too, knowing that there are no others to be made. I wish you could have seen the family continue to grow. Between the growing number of siblings, grandchildren and even great grandchildren there are so many family members that never got to experience your smile and care the way that I have. You all will always be on my mind and in my heart.

Family has always been one of the most important things to me. I am truly lucky to have had all of you with me through the good and bad. You guys have shown me that through it all there are a few people that will always have your back. Every family will have their fights, some bigger than the others but when it comes down to it we are all still family and that has a strong bond we have built together. Thank you for everything. Thank you for the support, motivation, memories and laughs. I'm lucky to have all 1,000 of you.