Having grown up with multiple close friends, there is no doubt in the world that through days and days at their houses, their parents spent hours around me. I did not see it then, but the older I have gotten, the more I have come to the realization that I truly would not be the person I am today without their love, support and occasional disciplinary action. So I would just like to take a second to thank them.

To The Parents Who Chose To Take Me Under Their Wing As Their Own,

Thank you. I look back now and realize that I was probably one of the most obnoxious elementary school kids. The countless hours at your house eating your food, staying up too late at night and probably borrowing money are all more than appreciated now. I know, without a doubt, I would not be the person I am today without your influence on my life. Thank you for being so willing and open to take me in as your own, for hugging me goodbye, for picking me up, and making sure I knew you were always just a phone call away if I needed anything. Thank you for taking care of me the few times I got sick at your house (you really did not have to do that at all). Thank you for having inside jokes with me and making fun of me as if I were your own child.

Above all, thank you for being a Godly influence on my life. You raised my best friend in a Godly house and showed Christ in the small things you would do -- pray for dinner, pray before bed, sing worship in the car, and treat me the way Christ would. I could go on and on about how much I appreciate the dedication and support you have given me over the years, but I will simply say this -- you have become the two people I want to be for my future children's friends. I hope that I can impact their friends the same way you impacted me.

Thank you again for loving, supporting, caring for and feeding me more than you ever needed to. I love you.

Sincerely,

The Daughter You Didn't Necessarily Ask For