There are so many people in my life that don't receive the recognition they deserve. I watch my parents bust their ass every day to make sure I have what my little sister and I need. But even with everything I do, I don't tell them "thank you" even close to enough. And my cousins that are more like sisters, for helping me through every boy problem throughout high school, or helping me by giving me the best advice - I haven't told them "thank you" nearly enough. And my grandparents, for watching me and my sister when we were younger and doing everything from getting my favorite kind of hot pocket, to making all my favorite breakfast foods. All of the people in my family deserve a better thank you, so here is an open letter to my family that I haven't told "thank you" to in too long.

Family,

I know I don't say it enough, but thank you. You've been such a blessing to me and have helped me get further than I could ever imagine. You've supported me through all of my decisions and also help me make them. You've helped me become the person I am, and for that - I am thankful.

Mom and dad, I know for sure I don't tell you two thank you EVEN CLOSE to enough. For the past 19 years, I have watched you guys bend over backward to give us everything we could ever want or need. You made sure I was able to do everything I could dream of. Even if it didn't seem possible, you two made it happen. I've watched you struggle just to help us. Just to make sure we could achieve our goals. I've watched you both work your ass off every single week and I admire you both. There wasn't a game where I couldn't look into the stands and see my parents cheering me on. I am so thankful to have gotten such hard-working parents, so here is a big thank you, mom and dad. You're my hero. I love you.

Grandma and grandpa, even though some of you won't be able to read this, I know you are still listening and know that I miss and love you. I will never forget running around your backyard barefoot picking tomatoes out of your garden. Or going out back to the pond and taking one of grandpa's fishing poles and not catch a thing. But, I still had the time of my life. I created some memories with cousins at your houses, that I will never be able to forget and for that, thank you. As my grandma always says, "what happens at grandma's house, stays at grandma's house"

Cousins, I don't even know where to start when trying to say thank you. You all have done so much to help me in my life it is unbelievable. From getting in trouble together when we were little, to playing Donkey Kong at grandmas house. To growing up together, as we learn how to take on the world on our own - you have helped me. Through high school I could ALWAYS depend on you if I needed advice, you were always there. All those little bickering fights, even something as little as an Icee at the movie theater (true story), I will never forget all of the memories we created together growing up. Thank you for everything you have done for me as I learn how to take on this world. You've shaped me into the person I am. Thank you for being my best friends.

I love you all and THANK YOU