No words can explain how thankful I am for the people who have been in my life up to this point. No one understands that going through major events at the age of 5 has an effect on you whether you understand each moment of it or not.

To those people who have stood by my side, thank you. To those people who have drifted away, don't worry I have grown stronger.

I matured a lot faster than most of my friends only because I had to worry about who was picking me up from school each day and which house would have my favorite dress that I had planned on wearing to a friend's birthday party.

Not only that, but I learned how important it is to cherish your family and spend time with your loved ones. Sure, I have bad days but everyone does and in the end, you have your cheerleaders on the sidelines every step of the way.

To my dad who has been there for me since day one, thank you for having my back and pushing me out of my comfort zone. I would not be where I am today without you.

There is only so much that your body can understand at a young age due to the development of your mind, body, and soul and with that, there is a part of you that believes that every unfortunate event that you encounter is your fault. I am here to tell you that it is not always your fault. Things happen and that is a fact of life.

You fall down and get right back up. Tomorrow is a new day and no matter what anyone tells you, you have just learned how to become a better you.

I'm not writing this so you can throw me a pity party, I am writing this 15 years later to tell you that things are going to be OK. Do not doubt yourself. Take a minute to stop and smell the roses, I can assure you that anything else can wait!