I distinctly remember the first time I met my boyfriend's mom. I begged my now-boyfriend to let me introduce myself the first time him and I hung out, and after convincing him, I timidly said hello and thanked her for welcoming me into her home. To be close with the woman who raised the man I love was at first intimidating, but from the moment she was introduced into my life, I was greeted with an open heart, mind, and home.

My boyfriend's mom has been one of my greatest supporters in these last three years. With the transition to college, and then transferring to another school, she supported me judgement-free and put my best interests first. There hasn't been a single time where I don't feel like a member of her family, and for that I am incredibly thankful.

It is so interesting to learn about different family values through someone I respect so greatly. Being integrated into a family so different from mine has helped me begin to understand what I want to bring into my own family when I start it someday. It has also given me a different outlook on life and has reminded me to be a judge-free person and to love everyone no matter their differences.

I can never thank her enough for raising the man whom I love so deeply. Even when he *jokingly* teases me, she is the first one to stick up for me and put him in place. Without hesitation she has included me in family events, both big and small, and those memories will last me a lifetime.

I grew up looking up to both my mother and sister for how strong and dedicated they are, and I am thankful to now say I look up to her too as a role model and a strong influence in my life. Thank you doesn't do her justice, but I hope she knows that both my boyfriend and I appreciate her endlessly for the abundance of love and support.