This article is dedicated to my Godparents, Uncle Terry and Auntie Mylene. Thank you for giving me hope, wisdom, ongoing support, and for loving me like your own daughter. I will never be able to express my gratitude enough for been given the privilege of being your Goddaughter.

To my Godparents,

From the moment that I was born I was given the title Goddaughter. At the time, I would have never imagined what a privilege it was to have been given that. When my parents appointed you both with the title of Godparents I never would have fathomed how much that moment would have impacted my life. Even though I was a baby and I was not verbally capable of making that big decision, I would not have given it to anyone else. I know that I was blessed because my parents have always had my best interests at heart and that decision that they made was one of the greatest. You both are gems that my parents told me about and I never truly understood how precious that gift was until I grew older.

I have realized over these last several years that, although my parents asked you to be my Godparents, that did not mean that you had to accept. You had a choice and I am so overjoyed that you both chose to guide me through my walk called life. You did not have to take on what seems like a third child when you both have children of your own. You did not have to cheer me on at sporting events, watch my achievements, comfort me during times of tribulations, and you did not have to support me even when you were disappointed in me. Your loving hearts have put up with me though for the past 20 years and if it weren’t for you I would not truly know what love was like. Your selfless, unconditional love for me has always inspired me to be a better person. I would have never pictured that you both would be one of my biggest influences in life. You have helped shaped me, educate me, guide me, and have loved me since the day I was born. Thank you for taking on an additional child because no one else could have done the job.

God knew that, when he created me, I would have a lot of learning and growing to do in my life. I know that he placed you both in my life because you both have so much compassion and love in your heart. Your selflessness and giving souls have inspired others, but it has inspired me the most. Your impact on my life is greater than you both will ever realize and there is no amount of "thank yous" that will ever be substantial enough. You both brighten up my day, laugh with me, take me on new adventures, let me share my thoughts, and show me what it feels like to be loved. When there were obstacles set in front of me you guided me to conjure up a plan and get passed them. When there was heartache inside of me your comfort was all I needed. When I was weak you showed me what strength looked like. You were more to me than what I could have even dreamed God would’ve given me. Your role was much greater than a teacher because you were more like my second parents. I can only hope that my children have even a drop of the love I was given when they have Godparents.

As I continue to grow, I know that my time with the both of you is very precious and I hope to use it as wisely as I can. You both are the gift that I never knew I wanted, but it was a gift that I needed most. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with me and for giving me a love that is once in a lifetime.

Love,

Your Goddaughter