Dear Stepmom,

I want to start this off by saying that you have contributed to my life in many positive ways. You are part of the reason I joined Greek life, you push me to be a better person, and you challenge me to hold myself to higher expectations.

But, you're not my mom. You will never be my mom, and I will always resist when you act like you are. However, as much as I try to think of myself as a princess, I am not Cinderella and you are not an evil stepmother.

Things changed when you moved in. I was no longer allowed to do all the things I was allowed to do when my dad was single. The house cracked down. I was held to expectations that I felt were ridiculous and unnecessary. Needless to say, I was pissed. I hated the change. But, my dad was happy for the first time in years. I had never seen him look at someone the way he looked at you.

My parents' marriage was over long before it was really over. I never truly witnessed a healthy, loving relationship. I grew up to screaming fights, silent car rides, blame games, and witnessing both of my parents suffer through a loveless marriage for the sake of their children.

I love my mom so much. She's an amazing person with a huge heart, but she wasn't the right woman for my dad. You are.

Thank you for inspiring my dad to become a better person. (And for teaching him how to be more fashionable.) Thank you for helping my sisters and I step outside our comfort zones. Thank you for pushing me to succeed, and loving me as your own. I'm your "bonus daughter," as you say.

You tuck me in and shut my light off when I fall asleep with the light on. You give me the most thoughtful gifts. You demand the family gets together for every single birthday. (And there are seven of us...) You orchestrate family dinners almost every night.

I know you have always wanted a large family, and now you have it. You have two daughters, and now, you have three "bonus daughters." I can't see my dad happier with anyone else.

You defeat the evil stepmother stereotype. We won't always see eye-to-eye, as we are both hardheaded people with strong opinions. But no matter what, I support the unique relationship you hold with my father. I may try to push against some change, but I welcome the positive changes that you have influenced in my life. Thank you for being you.

Love,

Your New Stepdaughter