To my second mother,

Thank you for forcing your daughter to wake up just a little bit earlier so she could take me to cheer practice with her whenever I was in the ninth grade. It was her senior year and even though she complained incessantly about having to wake up a whole 10 minutes earlier than usual so she could pick me up on time, you told her to suck it up. If it hadn't been for you, I never would have gotten the opportunity to really get to know your wonderful daughter.

I have so much to thank you for. Thank you for letting me practically live at your house during cheer season and throughout the entire course of the summer. Thank you for not getting angry at us whenever we sit in your living room watching movies all night and laughing our heads off at ungodly hours of the morning. For listening to my problems no matter how silly they may seem, for making us no bakes just because, coming to football games to see us cheer and softball games to watch us play, and for putting up with us and not getting frustrated no matter how much you wanted to. Thank you for always setting a place for me at the dinner table, bringing me to family events, making sure I put on sunscreen if we are going outside for too long (because lets face it, I'm as pale as it gets), and for treating me like your other daughter.

You've welcomed me into your family with open arms. You are never surprised whenever I walk in the door, even on the occasions when your daughter isn't even home. You think of me just as much as you think of any of your other kids. You have impacted my life in more ways than you know. You have not only shaped the woman that your daughter has become but you have also shaped the woman I have become.

Sincerely,

Your adopted daughter.