As Thanksgiving rolls around, people begin to emphasize aspects of their lives that they are thankful for. For me, my family has always been something that I cherish year-round. So, to my best friends, this one’s for you. 

My parents, I am always grateful for you and everything you do. 

Thank you for always supporting me in all of my endeavors, be it on a physical or emotional basis. Your encouragement motivates me to challenge myself and accomplish all of my hopes and dreams, which you yourself advocated for as you advised me to follow my passions because “the people that are the best at something are the people that are the ones enjoying what they do.” Thank you for pushing me to understand that things aren’t always going to be perfect, and that everything happens for a reason. 

Thank you for the endless sacrifices you make on a daily basis for my brother and I. We appreciate the smiles and the “how was your day?” you greet us when you get home from your jobs. We appreciate you listening to us as we rattle on about random things we learned, whatever our current obsession is at the time, and what we did for the day. 

 My brother, thank you for being there. 

Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face every single day. Thank you for the laughs you fill our house with, ones that I will cherish forever. Thank you for laughing at all of my dumb jokes, and then adding on to them, making us both giggle until our tears start rolling down our cheeks. 

Thank you for always wanting to do something with me, be it playing basketball or ping pong, playing Smashbros and NBA 2k, or just watching a movie together.

Thank you for always being a ball of sunshine and cheering me on in whatever I do. Your words of encouragement are part of what inspires me and keeps me going, and your willingness to always help others is something I hope many will strive to mimic. You are truly such a smart, bright, kind kid, and I know you’re going to accomplish great things. 

My family has always been there for me, and I thank them for their love, patience, and support. Thank you for everything you’ve done, thank you for everything you do, and thank you for everything you will do. I love you all to the moon and back.