Blessed.

When I was young - in my teens - I never really thought that I had very much. I never had very many friends in high school, I spent most of my weekends alone and not partying and going out like everyone else my age. I'd always thought that since my parents divorce that I'd never really had a great family life - I know now that this especially is not true and that a lot of it was down my teenage dramatics!

But recently it hit me just how much I really have. With turning 25 last week, I started to assess exactly what I have in my life, and not just material things but things, which I can say now with a relaxed heart, I will have for the rest of my life.

I have two sets of amazing parents who would do anything for me at any time. A mother who I class as a best friend, who I can turn to and talk to about anything and who understands. A step father who treats me and cares for me as if I was his own, and is always willing to help me. A father, who even though he has been through so much emotionally and mentally, has picked himself up and is the best Dad I could ask for. All of them except me with no questions asked and love me no matter what I do. Some people have the unfortunate luck of not being able to claim to have one parent...and I have three of best.

My brother was my childhood bully. A lot of it was regular sibling stuff but it went a lot deeper than that at times. We were so different and instead of letting that be how it was I think he somehow resented it. Now, I can honestly say that we are like best friends. He would stand by me through anything, listens to me when he needs advice, and in his own way takes care of me when I don't ask him to - he just seems to know I need it.

I will always be close to my family, but I know that I will always need in my life the family which I chose for myself - my friends.

After not having very many friends in my youth, except for one who I even now I class as my family, I came never to expect to have any. Starting University was a blessing as it was a new start, but I hadn't gone with the hopes of finally having a great group of friends. I figured that if I didn't expecting it then when it didn't happen I wouldn't be so disappointed. However, I ended up having an amazing three years and and that was done to a special few who will always be in my heart.

But it was when I returned home, and my adult life really began, that I found my urban family.

This group of people, who I know now I could never live without, are my world, my insides. I never thought that I would have them, and now I have them I never want to lose them. With all of them it's as if there is a 'no questions asked' policy, just totally acceptance. I would do anything for them, and them for me and I know that when it came to it they would be there for me no matter what.

I spend my time with them all differently - meeting for coffee, spending weekends in the countryside, nights in fueled with drinking games and laughter, going out and dancing like fools in bars, or only being able to email each other all day and hope that there will be a chance we could see each other that month. But all of these times have one thing in common, love. The love I have for these people and the love that's shared between us is practically visible.

Two of them are about to make the ultimate vow to each other. Two people who I look up to, who I care for, who I hope to know for the rest of my life. Two people who were meant to be together but also two people who I was meant to know. Our time together is very special as we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like, but in a way that makes it all the more amazing. Even when we are sat in total silence, enough is being said.

Looking back through this blog, I just can not believe how lucky I really am. I have a good job, a home which I love and countless material things which make me happy. But none of these things compare to the truly important people in my live. I pray for them each day and each day I am thankful that I have had the chance to love and know each one of them.

I am blessed.