Dear Step-dad,

I won't lie, when I first met you I was definitely a little skeptical. As a child I believed that no man could ever be perfect enough for my mother to date, let alone marry. I didn't want her to get hurt. I wanted to protect her and make sure her heart wouldn't be broken again. When you started coming around more often, I couldn't help but notice the newfound smile on her face and the constant sparkle in her eyes. Her tears had turned into laughter, and words of encouragement and praise were spoken in place of the yelling and bickering that had once taken over our home. I began to see my mom transform into a different person, a happier person. As the years went by and I got to know you better I began to realize that she wasn't the only person being impacted positively by you; you saved my whole family and I.

Thank you for showing me how a healthy relationship should be. I hope one day to find a man who treats me with the same respect and adoration you show towards my mom. Because of you, I know never to settle for second best. You've taught me that true love is constant. A good partner won't be selective with when they care. They'll be there for the good times and the bad, otherwise it's not worth it.

Thank you for being there when my real dad wasn't. I look up to you as a father figure because you were kind enough to step in when my dad wouldn't. Whether you're inspiring me to pursue my dreams, cheering me on at sports games and dance recitals, or supporting me financially through college, I couldn't be more thankful. You've filled the hole I once had in my heart and I know you'll always be there no matter what.

Thank you for making us a family again. We didn't even have to ask; you seamlessly picked up the pieces of our broken home and mended our hearts together again. You showed us that we need to cherish every single moment we have together and spend our short time on Earth focusing on how lucky we are to have each other. Because of you Ive learned that those precious moments where we're fortunate enough to be together have a higher value than anything material ever could, and I can't wait to make more memories together as a family.

I hope above all I make you proud, Stepdad. I hope you're pleased with the woman I'm becoming as I grow older and there aren't words to tell you exactly how much I love and appreciate you. I just want you to know, I'm by far the luckiest girl in the world because of you.

Love,

Your Daughter