Blessed. That is the word I think of when I think of you guys. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people I can surround myself with. You are some of my favorite people in the world. I'm not sure what life would be like if I did not have you. It's kind of crazy to think that some people aren't really that close with their cousins because I'd be lost without you guys. So, thank you.... for everything.

To my dearest cousins,

Thank you all for the endless laughs throughout the last 18 years. You guys have brought me to truly appreciate the importance of family and togetherness. I have learned a lot from you guys, younger and older. From the advice about college life to which kind of 'Chips Ahoy!' cookie is the best. Thanks to you I played a lot of "Call of Duty" on Thanksgiving and watched "Elf" every Christmas Eve. Those are memories I will cherish for my entire life. You've taught me the best hiding spots for those spontaneous games of Hide and Seek on Easter and you've showed me how to go after my dreams and achieve them even if it costs endless amounts of money and takes a lot of hard work. Watching you go through it has helped me realize that it's possible for me to accomplish the same.

Without you, I can't even imagine what my childhood would have been like. The trips to Disney or Sesame Place would have been pretty boring without you. Having cousins that I am close to in age is so awesome because you guys are not only my cousins but my friends. Overtime we grew up, went to school and met all kinds of new friends, but I know that even after all this time the friends I will always have are you guys. No matter what, family is forever.

We have dealt with our dysfunctional but very unique family together. We have experienced many of the same highs and lows, and for that I am grateful. We have suffered the same losses and dealt with similar situations. We are all our own individuals, but we also all have different things in common which definitely brings us closer.

Thanks to you, holidays, birthdays, weddings, random family gatherings, happy times and sad times are never spent alone. Each and every one of you holds a very special place in my heart and you always will, no matter what life throws our way. Being an only child has its perks of course but with you guys I don't feel like the only child at all, because I know you would all be there for me if I needed it just like I would be for you.

Over the years I have realized that you are my truest and dearest friends. I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything. So thank you for not leaving me stranded at crazy holiday parties, for giving me your shoulder to cry on, playing video games with me, the endless summer sleepovers, and for the neverending love and support I have felt from every one of you. I love and appreciate you all more than you know. Thanks for being there long before anyone else was.

All my love,

Your Cousin