One amazing woman I am blessed to know is my cousin and best friend, Niki.  She is a beautiful young woman who has overcome so much and continues to be an example to others when life throws challenges her way.<br /><br />Even though Niki grew up without a father, had a mother who was a drug-addict, and was raised by her grandmother, she managed to defeat the odds and not become a statistic.  She graduated from high school and went on to complete college with honors and multiple job offers.  She is now a very dedicated and career-driven employee, but seeks knowledge and enrichment above salary.<br /><br />Niki is also very determined to make the world a better and brighter place.  She hopes to one day join the Peace Corps, but in the mean time, devotes much of her time and energy to various philanthropic endeavors.  She has volunteered with Dress for Success, Make a Wish, and she is a Big Sister to a young girl who faces the same challenges that she did growing up.<br /><br />Niki also carefully balances her time between work, volunteering, and her personal relationships.  She truly is the &quot;glue&quot; that holds our complicated, unexplainable, blended family together; because of her, I have grown much closer to our family.<br /><br />Of course, what I love most about Niki is in the details: thank-you notes, travel, self-awareness, laughter, appreciation for good food and good wine, sweet text messages, a positive attitude, quality time.  Oh, and loving me despite my flaws.  Amazing.