Dear Second Mom,

First of all, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for the endless support, love and confidence. Thank you for caring about everyone, especially me. You're always there when Mom #1 can't be. Carpools, meals, entertainment, etc. all flawlessly executed. Thank you for being a friend as well as a mother. Thanks for taking my side instead of mom's sometimes. Thanks for being her friend as well.

I know I've been a burden to you. I've been the typical angsty teenager who sassed you when you asked how school was. I've been the kid who brushed off your love because it wasn't "cool." And I regret it all. I wish I could tell my past self how amazing it is to have someone like you in my life. I wish I could tell myself to pity others for not having someone like you. With age, I have come to acknowledge everything you have done, not just for me, but for everyone you are a second mother to. Thank you for being strong when you didn't have to be. Thank you for loving a child that isn't yours.

It's my turn now to care for you. I want to try and match the level of love you've given me. I want to be the person you helped raise me to be. I need to succeed at being your fake child. I owe it to you to succeed. I owe it to you to help you now. Whenever, wherever, I want to be there. I want my kids to call you grandma, I want my future husband to know how important you are. I don't want you to regret putting time and effort into my life. I'm willing to work hard to make sure that never happens.

Thank you again. I'll never stop saying it. You make me laugh until I feel like I'm going to pee my pants. You make me smile whenever you say hello. You make me proud to be a part of your life. Thank you for caring. You don't have to, but I sure am glad you do.

Sincerely,

Your extremely grateful child