In 2016, family structures have a wide range; the stereotypical family structure of a mother, father, and kids is no longer the most popular family structure. Now, there are single-parent homes, divorced households, interracial families, same-sex parents, and (my personal favorite) blended families. Being a child is by no means easy, but in many ways, children from these types of homes have it harder. This isn't always the case, but is often true, especially in the case of blended families.

I come from a blended family. My biological parents divorced when I was a toddler, and spending weekends back and forth between parents wasn't easy. As I got older, it got harder and harder, as my mom worked and I became more involved in school and activities. But when I was 7 years old, things changed a little bit. My mom got married and I got a stepdad (by the way, happy twelfth anniversary, guys!). Even though being a child in a blended family is difficult, I think the stepparent has it the hardest.

With that said, I want to thank you, Stepdad.

Thank you for taking me in as your own, and for loving my mom and me so much. Marriage is a big deal, but marrying someone who has a child from another man is a whole other story and a huge task. Coming into a child's life, especially for someone so young, and being a parent can't be easy. I'm sure you were kind of confused about finding your place as a parent, especially because Mom and my biological father had started the job.

Thank you for claiming me as your own. I would imagine that only half of the people who are stepparents claim the stepchild as their own. Never have you called me "my wife's daughter" or "my stepdaughter," and I love you for it. We have a unique relationship as stepparent and stepchild, but I think that's because we never really made a barrier of me being your stepdaughter. I know I am your daughter. You love me like I was your own, and you defend and support me like I am your own. I know that I am your daughter; I know that it doesn't matter that you entered my life when I was 7 years old. There have been so many times when people would say, "You're just like your dad," and I know that they mean you. We share the same sense of humor, we have similar laughs, we irk mom the same way, and sometimes, I'm told I make the same expressions as you.

I just want to thank you for being my dad. In many ways, I am more like you than the person who "made" me. In my mind and heart (and personality), you made me. You made me who I am through your love and support and care. You didn't have to do that. So many stepparents wouldn't take on that burden. So thank you. Thank you for raising me. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for claiming me. Thank you for loving me.

From your daughter,

I love you.