Whether you are a mom, an aunt or a grandma, you are special. You have some type of power that cannot be explained. You have the love and caring a child needs while having the strength to overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.

You have another job, though, and it’s a job that is special and unique to you.

You are a “second mom”.

Second moms help rule the world. You child’s best friend, your daughter’s boyfriend, even the little boy across the street you give cookies too, they all look at in a motherly light. And that’s a huge responsibility to take on.

So thank you

Thank you for always being there, even when you didn’t need to be. You listen to me, you wipe my tears away, and you take on information that I don’t dare tell my mother. You give the best advice and, in the end, you somehow convince me to tell my mom anyway, because we all know that mom will figure it out, and mom always has the perfectly tailored advice I need to get through a situation. We wouldn’t figure that out without you.

Thank you for always welcoming me into your arms. “The door is always open” is something you say constantly, and, although it is literal, it’s also a metaphorical saying. You’ve always been there, you’re always going to be there, and I know that, no matter what, I’ll always have someone standing by my side.

Thank you for giving me someone else to look up too. We can never have too many role models, and you certainly are one of them. Not only do you take on your children’s problems, but on occasion you help me figure out my problems as well, and as much as moms always want to be there, sometimes children need a new perspective.

Thank you for being there for my mom. She’s the strongest person I know, and although she may not get along with everyone, she sure does have some pretty great friends. And in turn of her having those friends, it’s given me a pretty big blessing as well. You mean so much more then you know.

Thank you for teaching me more about my own mom. You’ve shown me that even though I’m an only child, my mom is also a second mom and doesn’t have one daughter. She has so many children, and she’s really really good at being their mom too.

Thank you for giving me friends that I might not have had otherwise. Because of you, I’ve met people that may not have entered my life. And I’m really happy I have them in my life, because that gives me just one more friend, one more shoulder to lean on, and one more person to rely on.

We may not talk much, we maybe had a falling out, but always know you’re on my mind. Lessons I’ve learned from you have and always will stick with me. You’ve given me some friends that are irreplaceable, and I’m forever grateful for you. I know that I can always talk to you, and I know that you’re always willing to listen, and knowing that really does help in a lot of situation. So even though I may not go to you, know that knowing you’re there is help enough.

Thank you.