The Bethea Family – for inviting me into your home and letting me find true relationships with your kids

Over the past three years, I have spent countless hours in the Bethea household or with the Bethea kids. To Tania and Chris – I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me, and you might not even realize it. Being able to spend my afternoons with your children has truly made an impact on my life.

To Meredith – You are probably the single most energetic ten-year-old on this planeta�� and I love you for you. I wouldn’t trade your dancing, smiles, and contagious laughter for anything in the world. I love being your “big sister.”

To Christian- I honestly don’t know what I would do without you. First off, I’d be so bored on my drive home from school. You entertain me. Your endless amounts of random comments and giggles keep me going when I just don’t feel like interacting with anyone. I love you, little brother.

Sophie Deem – for showing me endless love and just being you

Sophie’s incredible amount of love radiates throughout everything she does. If I didn’t meet her last year when I started working at Cascade Roadhouse, I do not know where I would be today. She has listened to me complain about everything on the spectrum. She has literally been my shoulder to cry on (on more than one occasion), and I always feel like I have to apologize after I fall apart. But it’s never necessary because that’s just who she is. I love you, Soph. You’re going to do big, big things someday, babe.

Reeta Bhanini – for still being here for me

Reeta is someone who even if we don’t talk for days, I know she’s still there. I know I can still Facetime her at midnight, and she’ll still pick up. She tolerates me throughout all of my craziness, and I don’t thank her enough. I don’t think Reeta knows, but whenever she walks into a room, people become happier. Thank you, Reeta, for being there when I felt like no one else was. Love you, ding.

Drew Koets – for being who you knew you needed to be

I don’t know how to properly thank Drew. I’m just thankful. He shows me compassion and lets me know that he’s here. Even though he’s a busy college student with way better things to do than text me, he still replies, every single time. So I’m sorry, Drew, for probably bothering you all the time. But thank you-you know why you deserve it.

Samie Geelhoed – for being the real-life best friend next-door just like in the movies

Lattes, Joe Santagato videos, and everything in-between. You listen. You listen to me talk about everything that could possibly be going wrong in my life at the time. And then you talk for about three hours without taking a breath. And I love you for everything you are. Thanks for letting me walk into your house whenever I feel like it, and thank you for sharing your dog with me. I love you forever.

Marianne Fourmanoit – for coming to America

Marianne is probably the nicest person I’ve ever interacted with. Her humor is incredible, and our inside jokes probably make us sound crazy, but it’s okay. Maybe it’s the French accent, but everything she says sounds so fancy and smart. She is one of my best friends, and it makes me sad that I only see her once a year; but that’s okay because for the seven weeks she is here, we spend practically every waking second together. You’ve touched so many people’s lives here in Michigan, and we all love you dearly. I love you, Marianne, and I’ll see you soon.

Emma Clark – for being alive

Emma, words can’t describe what you mean to me. You’ve brought me laughter, tears, and tears from laughter. I hope you love me as much as I love you because I’m never letting you leave me. I’m thankful for both your interior and exterior beauty. I’m thankful for you getting me as a person. I’m thankful for your unforgettable laughter (even though most of the time it’s at me). So thanks, love, for being you.