First of all, thank you for bringing a beautiful human being into my life that I am able to call my best friend. But more than that, thank you for accepting me as one of your own. I came into your lives as a random girl your daughter decided to bring home one day, and since then have become an honorary member of your family. I cannot explain my gratitude for the sleepovers you've allowed, the snacks you've bought, the love you've shown, the family dinners I've attended and the opportunity to have a second family.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I'm not only at your house and in and out of conversations and pictures with your daughter, but you know me. You ask me about school and my family when you see me, you ask about friends and weekend plans, just like you would with your own daughter. I know that I am cared for and loved by you, even if I'm not technically your own.

Thank you for letting me be comfortable in your home and lives. I don't feel like a stranger when I walk right in the door and hug each of you without even knowing if my best friend is even home yet. I know that if I ever need a place to stay, your home is open. I know where everything is in the kitchen, when the dogs need to be let out, the wi-fi password that automatically connects to my phone, and that I'm welcome at any time.

Thank you for taking me on your family vacations. I never feel awkward accepting an invitation to spend a week with your family because I know that I will be taken care of and included in everything. I love spending days on the beach or nights in relaxing and having fun just like I would with my own family. I could never repay you for not only the trips, but for the experience of being a part of your family vacation.

Thank you for giving me a second family. Don't get me wrong, my family is great, but so is yours. It gives me another group of people that love me and know me and will take care of me. I love having extra parents and siblings to get excited to see and hang out with and update on my life, and also catch up on theirs. At this point, I don't only come around to see my best friend, I come to see the family that gave her to me and accepted me as their own.