The Under-appreciated Value of Family

I have stared at this page trying to decide how to write this. My intention was just to write about my families Griswold Family Vacation we just took through Ireland, Scotland, and England but my biggest realization is how blessed I am. I have been so fortunate to grow up in a family that loves traveling and adventures which was a huge factor in shaping who I am today as an avid traveler. From such a young age, all I can remember is going on trips as a family to camp, hike, and explore and my parents deserve all the credit for creating my wanderlust.

Charms received as gifts from my parents and souvenirs when I travel

Man my parents, how do I even begin to describe the two people who have been my constant support and biggest fans my entire life. Through all the ups and downs I put them through growing up, they want me to succeed more than anything in life and soar as a grown woman and world traveler.

My sweet mother, she has been by my side for countless adventures my entire life including worldwide exploration. She always has a pearl of wisdom to share with me and always helps to put everything into perspective. She is a prime example of a strong, independent woman that has worked extremely hard for where she is in life and that is something I so admire. She has taught my sisters and I that the sky really is the limit and we are capable of so many amazing things in life. She has also taught me an appreciation for new experiences and understanding different cultures and as I continue to travel to different countries this is something I greatly value. My mother is always the first person to tell me how proud of me she is and how far I am going to go in life, everything I do I do to make her proud to call me her daughter.

My sweet father, oh how grateful I am for you. I have been a Daddy's Girl from the get-go and you constantly shower me in love and encouragement. You have always shown my sisters and I what a loving father looks like and how women should really be treated. No man will ever replace the love a father like you has for his daughters but instead we know what we deserve and know not to settle. No matter what mistakes I make or struggles I face you are always a shoulder to cry on and always remind me that I am not alone in life. I hope you know how much I appreciate you always answering my call when I have some kind of construction or random question that I know you will be able to answer. Your handiness and willingness to put up with so many women that talk at the same time is under-appreciated.

My oh so sweet grand-parents and aunt, your constant support over the years means so much to me and I am immensely grateful. I cherish each of these relationships and have so many amazing memories I hold onto. My aunt can always make me laugh and getting to catch up often feels like no time has passed. Both of my sweet grandmothers, Grandma and Grancy, always show me how loved I am and constantly provide me with worldly advice. I always know they have are here for me whatever I may need. My two sweet grandfathers, Papa and Grandaddy, will do anything under the sun to help me and constantly shower my sisters and I in love. My family is nothing short of amazing and I am so lucky to have such an amazing support system.

My sweet sisters, Riley and Landon, (fear not Zyana you have your own section below) always manage to put a smile on my face. We may not always get along but I know you girls will always have my back and I will have yours. We have so many fun memories and have shared many laughs over the years that I cherish. It is so amazing to see how much you guys change as you get older and remind me more and more like our parents. Very excited to see where life takes you and I think you both are going to go far in life.

Sweet Zyana, you truly have been such a blessing to our family. I never knew we had been missing a part of our family until you came into our life. I never would have thought I would want a 3rd sister but man was I wrong. You are one of the sweetest and kindest people I have ever met and I feel like you have been in our family way longer than you have. I know it was not easy for mom when I moved to Ireland and I know having you join the family lessened the blow. I hope you feel loved by everyone in this family, we both know the grandparents and parents are so glad you're with us now and are so proud to call you a part of the family. I so enjoyed getting to spend time together over the Holidays and hope we can continue to get to know each other. Love my new sister.

The last thing that needs to be said is how incredible of role models my parents are for my sisters and I. We have been so fortunate to grow up in a household with two parents who still love each other so much and you guys show us this regularly. I aspire to have a love as unrelenting and enduring as you two have and I hope that I can set that same example for my kids.