Mom,

I know a lot of people may refer to you as my stepmom, but to me you are so much more than that. I know that when we first met--and a few years after--we fought a lot. We got on each other’s nerves and were constantly at odds. I’m really glad that we’ve moved past that place. When you started dating my Dad, you welcomed me into your life without a second thought. You didn’t have to love me, but you did anyway. You’ve helped me become the person I am now and I really don’t know what I would do without you most of the time.

Thank you for always pushing me to do my best.

I know that I have a habit of slacking on certain things when it’s convenient for me to do so. Thank you for realizing that I could do better and pushing me to do my best no matter what the situation.

Thank you for telling me “No,” even though I never wanted to hear it.

I realize now that every time you told me no in middle and high school was for my own benefit. I may not have been excited about missing that movie with my friends but looking back on it, I realize that it was for my own benefit.

Thank you for supporting me.

It never mattered what I was doing, you were always there to offer support. You believed in me when I had problems believing in myself.

Thank you for allowing me to grow into my own person.

I know I spent a lot of time telling you that you wanted me to be just like you and weren’t allowing me to be my own person. Well, I was really stupid a year ago. I realize now that you were just guiding me to be a better person, you weren’t hindering me from becoming my own person. Even if you were trying to make me be like you, though, I really don’t think that would have been such a bad thing.

Thank you for trying to break me out of my comfort zone.

I get really set in my ways, and I appreciate all the efforts you made to get me to stop hiding behind my books and start trying new things,

Thank you for being my Mom.

I know that we’ve had our differences, but you and I have come a long way. I am so grateful for everything you do for me. I know that no matter what, I can call you and you’ll be there for me. You didn’t have to accept me into your life so completely, but you did. Thank you for never giving up on me, even though I pushed you away for a really long time. You are the only mom that I need and the only one that I want. I know it took me a long time to refer to you as my mom, but you truly deserve the title. Thank you for loving me, even though you didn't have to.

Love,

Your Daughter