Dear Mom & Dad,

You have saved me in all the ways someone could be saved. You flew across the world, not once, but twice, to bring me home and call me yours. You chose me. And I chose you.

You gave me a life that I know I would never have had without you. You brought me into your home, into your family, and raised me as yours. You gave me a big sister to have as my companion growing up, and gave her the little sister she so desperately wanted. The relationship I have formed with my sister is one stronger than one I would have with a biological sibling. Our bond will continue to grow and will never break. The love I feel for her is infinite. You gave me a huge loving family. You gave me a home—a roof over my head when I may have not had one otherwise. You gave me love, and I can't say thank you enough. I may not show it a lot, but I am so grateful for you and for this life you have given me.

Thank you for fixing my scraped knees—I know there were a lot. Thank you for taking care of me when I was sick. Thank you for helping me with my homework—especially math (We all know I am terrible at it and you probably wanted to pull your hair out explaining things over and over). Thank you for teaching me about life and giving me advice even if I am too stubborn to take it at times. Thank you for not keeping my past a secret from me, and answering any questions I had. Thank you for allowing me to find a dream and go after it. Thank you for raising me to be independent and able to take care of myself. Thank you for never giving up on me when it felt like everyone else had. Thank you for continuously giving me help whenever I ask, whether I still lived at home or not. Thank you for putting up with my rotten ways as a child and putting up with my sassy teenage years. Thank you for putting up with whatever shenanigans I have already encountered in my adulthood, and for those I haven't even experienced yet. But most of all, thank you for being my family.

Adoption changed my life, and I will always be thankful.

As I begin this journey to looking into my past, I am so grateful to have your support and have you by my side. To me, you will always be my true family. You have given me the greatest gift, and I hope I have returned the favor. I want the whole world to know how thankful I am for this life because of what you have done for me. The love I have for you and the rest of my family is immeasurable. You have given me the greatest gift, and I hope I have returned the favor. I will always love you more than you know.

Love,

Your Katie B