Growing up, I always believed that I was okay going through life on my own; that I didn't need that special bond with a motherly figure, because I would be fine without it. I always buried myself in the thought of "You did good, you taught yourself the girly things without help." That thought is true, but having that bond is key-- and I just learned.

It's been 18 years without a mom attachment so I won't say it was easy. It's hard, very hard. I wasn't used to listening to someone other than my dad. I was not used to having a woman help me with my problems, especially my "woman problems." I was not used to having a mom constantly around who cared and loved me.

I never realized how much I would appreciate someone talking to me about my issues or things I am interested in. I never realized I need hugs and kisses before I went to bed or to simply hear the words "I love you." I never noticed how listening to another parent is sometimes annoying. I never knew I would use your hand to hold on my worst days.

I just hope you know how thankful I am to have had you walk into my life. I hope you know how much you mean to me and how much I love you. I also hope you know I'm grateful you made my family whole.