Not going to lie and say that I was thrilled about now having to share my mom with you guys, or the thought that simply, it wasn't just me anymore. Being an only child is very different than growing up with siblings, period. When you are an only child, you learn to be independent so much more quickly & as you become older having alone time is a necessity. I may do things differently and enjoy doing them alone, as strange as that may sound, but now I have a new found appreciation for having you guys in my life.

In my case, there are two boys, Logan who is 13 and Quinn who is 11. This letter is to them.

To my mom's boyfriend's kids,

Let me first of start by saying how much I enjoy having you guys in my life. You both are so special to me & you have made my life richer by just being a part of it. I admire you both for who you are, your differences, similarities, and everything in between.

There is something to be said when it comes to the word "family" what does that even really mean? I think nowadays, life is changing so much that staple words like this have new meanings & even look different, in a good way. You guys are my family. It took me a little bit, but I got there. It wasn't easy for me to adjust having you around and shifting into a new phase in my life. There was so much going on during that time. But today, I can say that I am so much better off having you both as my "brothers". It's really special to me that I have been apart of your lives for a few years now and have gotten to see you guys grow and continue to, be a part of your own journeys, and even you guys watching mine. I want you two to learn from me, my choices (both good & bad), and feel like I'm there for you like a sister would.

I love it when you introduce me as your sister or want to hang out with me, just because. We for sure have our moments where we can't stand each other, but that's when I know I'm experiencing a real sibling moment. Something usually I only get with my mom, because there hasn't ever been anyone else around. At times, I feel like a motherly figure to you two, but it's good practice and I do it because I care. I love being a part of your lives, and knowing your friends, reliving all the moments & lessons that I learned/did at your age, with you, and helping you along the way. I appreciate that you respect me and listen when I have something important to tell you and for still letting me be an only child when I need to.

Logan, you are such a star in your own way, your ability to be artistic whether it be in theater, or in music, or just imagination is unreal. It's a gift that is so special & I love watching you use it. Quinn, thanks for being the boy version of me, I don't know if it's because we are both Aquarians, but when I look at you, you are so full of life, so curious about things, and always being silly. You remind me so much of myself at your age & you, just being a kid, is what I love most. Thanks for being who you both are without apologies.

I keep thinking about High school, the fact that it hasn't even come for you guys yet, and I'm already looking forward to it. There is going to be so many amazing memories ahead, for both of you, and me, just being the observer. I love the fact that we can talk about anything and everything, that you guys are open enough with me to tell me exactly what's going on with school, friends, or more importantly inside of you that you aren't sure how to handle or figure out. Believe it or not, it means the world to me. Even though I am away for college, just know I am always here for you at any time. You both have seen me in different parts in my own journey, but always seem to have the right thing to say or simply a hug has been just the right medicine, whether it was breakups with boys, struggles with school, or anything that I was having a hard time handling, you guys were there to just be my support, and I love you for it.

Now I understand how special it is to have siblings, they are the friends that you can always rely on, the people you love through good and bad times, and the types that you learn to cherish and accept different personalities. You can learn from one another, no matter the age difference, and have the best of memories. It's the feeling you get when you know that if you walked down the street with both sides filled with so many different moments and happenings in your lifetime, that when you turn around they will be the ones there, the constant ones, and that's an indescribable feeling.

I will always be an only child at heart & will still be who I am, but now I get to have two boys that I can say are my family to grow more with and help teach & learn from. Life is so much more colorful & fun with you guys, and I am so thankful for it.

Love you always, my siblings.