To you, the woman who raised the woman I’m in love with. I thank you for bringing up a woman of worthy character.

1. Thank you for teaching her to care.

She cares so much. She devotes herself to so many things; she has a huge heart and I love it. The passion in her eyes can motivate just about anyone. We see how much her passion for something can affect her, whether it’s good or bad. It’s a commendable trait and just one reason I love her.

2. Thank you for showing her how to live admirably.

She’s not one to sit back and let life do whatever it wants to her. She tries. She tries damn hard. She never settles and she never gives up. A plan is always in the works and she knows how to reach her goals. She doesn’t live just for herself; she lives to serve and

3. Thank you for teaching her good manners.

“Yes ma’am,” and “Yes sir,” are always coming out of her mouth. It didn’t take long for her to win over my parents in this way. Her manners lead me to self-examine my own and I’m a better person as a result. While she carries on her mannerisms very well, she had to learn them from somewhere. Thank you.

4. Thank you for raising her to be nice.

I’m never embarrassed to be around her in public (I’m not sure she could say the same about me, I’m quite a goofball). She carries herself well and she is well-spoken. She leaves people happier than she found them and I respect every aspect of that. Watching her interact with others is sublime, and I remain grateful she picked me to be hers. She is so patient with me, even when I don't deserve it. She understands me in ways no one else does.

5. Thank you for teaching her to cook.

She knows how to whip up a meal the right way. She says her specialty is fried chicken, but I think everything she tries her hand at it is phenomenal.

6. Thank you for making me feel like part of the family.

I’ve never felt estranged or like an outsider. I’ve always felt welcome in your home, whether she is there or not. I know I can always count on getting met with smiles and getting a full tummy. I get welcomed to your home the way I hope to one day welcome guests to my home. Thank you.

7. Thank you for sharing her.

I know she means a lot to you and that she is a great asset to your home and to any situation. Thank you for letting me steal her at odd hours, a whole day, or for days at a time. Thank you for trusting me with her and for letting her go.

8. Thank you for teaching her respect.

This one could tie into the manners one, but she is so respectful it deserves its own category. She is full of respect—for herself most of all, which is so attractive. The level of respect she has for herself forces others to respect her as well. She respects the hell out of you. You’re a role model to her and it’s no mystery why. She respects everyone and it’s an honorable characteristic.