We are Family.

Hello, world.

Letter 3 is supposed to be to my parents. Letter 4 is supposed to be to my siblings. I am just going to smash them together into one gigantic letter to the family. Because my family did not request that I write them letters that anyone can read, I will choose to keep these short and simple, not too personal.

Dear Mama,

Thanks for letting me be who I wanted to be, rather than a manufactured version of yourself. It is hard to imagine life with different parents or a different family, but I took for granted how independent you always let me be (and it might now be bothering you, actually). You have allowed me to make mistakes and make my own choices, and I honestly think I can handle pretty much anything because you have always told me I could. Thank you for your unwavering compassion on all living creatures and your bravery to walk down new roads even late in life. Thank you for watching movies and television with me, for loving me through your frustration with me, and for always providing a home for us.

Dear Dad,

Goodness knows we aren't that close, but there are things about you that I admire. I assume that I got my thirst for knowledge from you, and I love how much you know about history and the world. Thanks for always taking me on rollercoasters when I was a kid; those times at Kennywood are some of my dearest childhood memories. Thank you for not taking things (especially yourself) too seriously. Thank you for your work ethic. Thank you for your unique and heartfelt Christmas presents and your generosity to me. Thanks for naming me Bunk.

Dear Tara,

I am so glad you are going to New Orleans with me. I am so excited for you to enter into my world, to see what it's like from my point of view. I hope you love it; I hope you love my kids. Tara, of anyone I know, I think I watched you change so much as you have gotten older. That is something rare in a person, and I truly respect how you have embraced and chosen your life. I have watched motherhood soften your personality, but I love that you have a fire that won't go out. I am amazed that college you existed when I see how amazing your home is now. I can handle the fact that you are pathologically crazy when it comes to cleaning and "purging," especially when I reap the benefits. :) Your self-discipline astounds me, and yes, although I would never want to work hard enough to get there, I am jealous of your mad marathon-ing skills.

Dear Greg,

I know that my distance has hurt you the most. I am sorry for that. I have always looked up to you, even during your awkward junior high phase, and I must have gained at least a piece of my competitive nature from you. Nearly every reminiscence about childhood begins while dancing on your toes, and now, I love to see you raising two wonderful children, providing so much for your family. You are a go-getter, which I admire, but you haven't lost your humanity, which is utterly important. I wish you would slow down once in a while, let go of your phone for a few minutes, allow yourself not to be defined by your work, but I know you will eventually slow down. I love your sense of humor and your loyalty to sports teams. I hope we do grow closer.

Hey family,
I can't wait to travel the world with you next summer. Sincerely, I simply cannot wait.