why am I a Mormon

I was baptized when I was 13 yrs old. I went to live with my Uncle & Aunt then. My brother was there as well. All 4 of us kids were foster children. Our mother had an alcohol problem.
I really believed the Joseph Smith story & where we were before we came to earth, the purpose of coming to earth and where we would go when we died. Certainly I have had many ups & downs with my activity. Much due to work. However my testimony has never wavered.
Just a little over 35 years ago, I met a wonderful young lady. We were married shortly after that and have been together ever since. We raised 2 boys & 3 girls. And we had a hand in raising my wife's nephew. I have had success in the business world, but it doesn't surpass my family. They are my most precious asset. I could not image life without them. There would be no purpose to life.
I am sealed to them and my wife. Shortly after my Uncle died in April of 2009, I wrote to the first presidency and asked for permission to be sealed to my Uncle and Aunt. And I did receive permission based on my childhood background. It was a wonderful experience, I only wished that my Uncle could have been there. I never had a dad until he came along. I told him on his birthday, ( a few days before he died) that he was a great dad and filled those shoes better than if I would have had a real dad. My biological father took his life when I was 2 years. I have no memories of him.
I realize that being a Mormon requires a lot of a person. And sometimes I fall short. But Christ's love & sacrifice gives us forgiveness of our short comings and sins.
Many religions are worried about Mormons, stating that we are not Christians. I am glad that they are worried about us. I never criticize other religions, (expect the church of the devil) and I certainly don't feel that others have the right or knowledge to tell me that I am not a christian.
I know that Christ lives, that he is concerned about each and every one of us. That he forgives us for our sins, and short comings. He loves all of us unconditional. He is my savior, brother, and constant companion. I love Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. I know that Joseph Smith restored the gospel to the earth and that he was a true prophet. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living Prophet. I know that God lives, and that the Holy Ghost is there to help us. If we only listen and are worthy to. I am a direct descendant of Joseph Knight Sr, he and his family were helpful to the prophet, during the time that Joseph Smith was trying to obtain the brass plates. The brass plates were hauled on Joseph Knight's wagon. The knights were the bulk of the church members, early on. To ever deny the church, (to me) would be to say that my ancestor's were liars, or phonies. I could never do that, anymore than I could denied the savior.
This is my testimony, if it offends you, I make no apolozies. Read the Book of Mormon and earnestly pray about it, with humbleness and an open mind. And you will receive your answer.
Many people today are reaching out for help, because of economic situations and the unrest in the world. Many people seek answer as to where we go when we die. This is a great and wonderful church. And Christ is the head of our Church.