Family isn't only limited to the people that are related to you through blood or marriage. Family has such a deeper meaning than the surface level definition. For me, family are the people that have been there for you through your deepest and darkest times, up to your best of times. Family is when the person is willing to have your back through anything and everything. Family is when the person gives you the truth, rather than lying and telling you something that you want to hear. Family are the people that push you to do and be better, because they know your limits.

For me, I have my immediate family, my mom, dad, and two brothers. And then I have my closest friends that I call my sisters, even though we aren't related, they feel like more than just friends, they're more like my family. I happened to have gotten blessed at sort of a young age, I met most of the girls that I consider my sisters around the age of 5 or 6. I met them through a softball league and have known them ever since. So it's been about 13 to 14 years that I've known these girls. Now, I know even though you may have known a person for many years, it doesn't mean that y'all would be very close. Sometimes you become close with people you've only known for a year or so. But I got lucky with the girls I've grown up with. They've helped me through many rough patches throughout the years.

I feel like everybody deserves to have people in their life that you are able to cry to and lean on when you're in need, whether it's a family member or a close friend. Even though you may be related to someone whether it's through blood or marriage, the title "family" is something that has such a deeper meaning and name. Family are the people that are going to protect you and help build with you. The beauty of having a family is that you'll always have people there for you, that are believing in you, cheering you on and pushing you for the best. You'll always have people that check up on you and makes sure that you're alright.

Personally, I don't know what I would ever do without my family. My mom and dad, they've always wanted what was best for me, even though they most likely didn't completely agree on what it was. They've always had faith in me even when I didn't have faith in myself. If it wasn't for them being so persistent, I wouldn't be continuing on with schooling to earn my degree. I wouldn't be attending college, if it wasn't for my parents. My parents provided me with this beautiful life while I was growing up. My parents have raised me to always strive to do better and do what is right and to help and care for others. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. Even though I don't always see eye to eye with them, I will always love and be grateful for everything they have done for me. I know that they've given up a lot in order to take care of my brothers and I, especially to send me off to an expensive college. They've blessed me with such an amazing life, all I want to do now is make them proud and give back to them for be such amazing parents to me.

Now, to the girls that I call my sisters. How could I ever thank you enough for coming into my life and staying. Y'all have been there for me when I needed y'all most, We've had our share of arguments and fights, but I wouldn't trade y'all for the world. I cherish all of our moments, jokes, and times together. Thank you for always supporting me and being by my side no matter what the circumstances were and may be.

If you're reading this, afterwards, just go give your family a hug or call them and tell them how much you love them. Try and remind your family how much you are thankful and grateful for everything they've done for you. And to your friends, go and give them a hug or call too. Let them know how much you care and adore them.