I say thank you because I don't know if there's anything better I could say to show you my complete appreciation and love.

Thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do for me. From the nights you put up with obnoxious laughter late into the night to the family events you invited me to because you knew how much it meant to spend time with my best friend; nothing could ever be more valuable to me than those memories and moments.

Whether it was your family New Year's Eve traditions or just a lazy Sunday, you always wanted to make me welcome because I was around so often, even if it got annoying sometimes.

I didn't just find a best friend, but I gained a second family in some amazing people who gave till it hurt because that's just who they are. I never imagined feeling so wanted and loved by two people who weren't even blood, but that's the fascinating thing I guess: you never know who will come into your life and fill it to the brim with joy and laughter. I know you didn't have to invite me into your home or family the way you did, so I'm beyond grateful; I may not be your child by birth, but that never stopped you from claiming me and embracing my sarcastic jokes and crazy ideas.

Your child became my best friend, my partner in crime, my better half, and someone I could never imagine my life without. Even when we were fighting, you knew we'd get over it, laugh at how dumb we were, and makeup. You encouraged our silly ideas, hopes for the future and the love we had for each other, regardless of whether or not you fully agreed.

Along with the thank you, I also want to apologize. I know there were nights when your child wasn't home and you might have been worried, or they missed curfew because they were with me, or there were fights because they didn't think whatever terms you set were fair, and I saw how much it would tear you apart. However, I also want to tell you how much your kid loves you. There are countless times that they talked about how much they appreciated something small you did, like making their lunch or bringing them a snack at work, and there is no doubt that they love you.

So, thank you, for all the moments, memories, and love you have shared with me since I became your child's best friend. You not only brought someone into this world that became another part of me, but you took me into your family and encouraged our friendship with every milestone. I could never fully show you how much that means to me.