I'll never forget the first time I found out my mom was dating you. It was in the aftermath of a snowstorm and Mom, Uncle Tim and I were outside shoveling. I knew she was going on a date when she kept her answers short when I asked what she was getting ready for. I was mad that she was going out while we were busting our asses shoveling. When you picked her up, I tried to peak in your window to see you (creeper, I know) but they were a little tinted, which made me even more pissed. The actual first time I met you, I knew right away I liked you, not only because of how respectful you were towards my family and I, but more importantly, how respectful you were towards my mother. I know we're both too laid back and "cool" towards each other to ever have a conversation like this, so I'll write something for you instead.

1. Thank you for bringing life back into my Mom.

When you guys first started dating, something changed about her. She was more talkative, nicer, more pleasant. I couldn't put my finger on what it was back then, but now I know it's because she met you. Not that she wasn't happy before, but I guess meeting you and falling in love with you brought back something in my Mom that I haven't seen in a long time.

2. Thank you for making my Mom happy.

Whether you two are sitting around the fire, cooking dinner together or playing with Bosco and Milo (the Pack); I've never seen my mom as happy as she is with you. You make her smile a little wider and laugh a little longer. She has been through a lot of hardships in her life and she has worked hard for everything she owns. She's a strong woman as it is, but the love you havefor her, I think, makes her 10 times stronger.

3. Thank you for not trying to play the role of my Dad or replace him.

Too often, the boyfriend or girlfriend of a parent who is separated or divorced from their child's other parent try and take the role or fill the void of that person. You've never barked orders or yelled at me in an attempt to be my Dad. Never once since he passed away have you tried to replace him in any way, shape, or form, and I'm beyond grateful for that. I know you're not the affectionate type anyway (unless it's towards your B), but it does mean a lot to me, so thank you.

4. Thank you for taking in Milo as your "Step-Grand-Dog".

You've been so patient with that little sh*thead that it amazes me. He's annoying, he whines a lot, barks at stupid things (like other animals on TV) and takes up yourwhole entire bed, basically. However, he was always friendlier towards males than towards females, and since his "alpha-male" (as you would call it) passed, I'm pretty sure he thinks of you as the "alpha-male" now. You're so good at training him just like you train B. My Dad and I were never good at that stuff since we were both suckers and spoiled him all he wanted. He loves you and Mr. B a lot, so thank you guys for treating him like he's your own.

5. Thanks for helping me mess with my Mom.

I don't know how Kristy Kristy puts up with our crap: you trying to find the perfect dog-trainer, my constant complaining, Cesar Milan's 12-Step Plan for B, getting my nose pierced when she tells me not to and almost ruining your Jamaica trip (sorry about that, by the way), threatening her with getting another cat and dog, and singing our "B-Song" every chance we get. We're probably the cause of her gray hairs and the reason she gets it done every three weeks, but it's fun having someone to help me bust her chops.

Again, I know that I'd probably never thank you for these things in-person, cause it's just not the way we function with one another; but Chris, thank you so much for making my Mom happy. Thank you for being so good to the both of us. Thank you for supporting and loving her. My mom, as I'm sure you know, is a great woman who deserves nothing but the best and I'm beyond glad she found it in you.

Love, KK