I've been trying to think of a way to express my gratitude to you for making the man of my dreams and for welcoming me with open arms. My family is extremely dysfunctional and I've always wondered what a functional family is like. When I started dating your son, I found out. I'm not saying that your family is perfect, but it's functional, and it's way more than I deserve.

I remember the first time I met all of you. I was so nervous. I didn't realize at the time, but when I met you, I met my second family.

I owe you so much.

Thank you for supporting me.

You helped me through my senior year of high school, my first year in college, and you got me my job. You always encouraged me to strive for better and to be better. You always made sure that I had everything I needed for college. You helped me with my homework and even bought most of my things for my dorm room. You always have my back. I love you for that!

Thank you for taking me in.

Whenever my home life wasn't easy, you always let me take refuge in your home. Even when you barely knew me, you still never told me no. You let me move my whole life into your home when I got kicked out of my house. You made sure I always had something to eat, made sure my clothes were washed, and that I was okay. You made life easy!

Thank you for including me.

Every summer, you guys go on a vacation, and I never went anywhere until I started dating your son. You didn't have to ask me to go but you did anyway! Now I've been to the beach and to Maine (which is absolutely breathtaking). Thanks for the adventures!

Thank you for sharing your holidays and birthdays.

Holidays are for your family and it's a time you share with those who you care about the most. When I started dating your son, I became one of those people. I remember our first Christmas together and now we've spent three together. For birthdays, you guys choose which restaurant you want to eat at, and the whole family goes. I'll never forget how it made me feel to have all of you there for my birthday and to be there for all of your birthdays, Thanks for celebrating me!

Thank you for loving me.

Throughout the three years that I've been a part of your family, I've grown to love you so much. You treat me like I'm already one of your own and it's the best thing in the world. I'm thankful for what great parents you are to your son, daughter, and even to me. I'm grateful for all of the lessons and beautiful values that you've instilled into the love of my life. All of those things make him a great man. Most of all, I'm thankful to have you as my family.