Mom, over the years we have grown and developed our relationship beyond what we thought it would ever be. You know I have always been an independent soul, ready to go off on my own from a young age without a single care in the world. As you also know, I am very stubborn and want to do things my own way. Always have, probably always will.

I wanted to thank you for taking such care of me for as long as you did. Knowing you were on your own for the most part, well until Derrick came along. You always did your very best to support me and loved me every step of the way. I still remember you calling me pudding pop for as long as I can remember. I never knew where it came from, but I loved hearing it. Growing up and going through puberty caused a lot of fights for us. You were trying to teach me and make me understand the mistakes I was so hellbent on making for myself. I want you to know that I have always loved you and always will.

Derrick, I honestly can't remember a time when you weren't in my life. You have always been there to support me and cheer me on. You'd pull my baby teeth out when I was too scared to do it myself. You would trick me into thinking I was late for school on Saturday. You watch scary movies with me because I won't watch them alone. We have so many TV series that we've started and abandoned, waiting to be picked back up again.

I want to thank you for treating me like your own, even though I'm not related to you by blood. You have always made me feel loved and cherished and never made me feel out of place. I know I can count on you to be there for me when I need you to be, no matter what. We may not be blood, but you are and forever will be my family.

Dalton, do you know what the first memory I remember with you? Mom was picking me up from daycare after she had gone to the doctors to find out if you were a boy or a girl. I remember that mom and I guessed girl, but Derrick said you were going to be a boy. Mom and I were wrong, obviously, but I remember being happy that we found something else out about you. Even though I was complaining that Derrick was right, I was so excited that we were one step closer to meeting you.

You have been my partner in crime. You watch musicals with me and sing at the top of your lungs when I feel like having a concert in the kitchen. You get involved in everything that interests me as a way to stay close to me. I love you more than life itself. I will forever be there for you for help and advice so don't hesitate to call. If you ever find yourself doubting my affection for you, just remember the time when I almost fought that fake intruder in my towel, fully prepared to fight naked if someone broke in.

I love you all so very much!