Recently, my friends and I were all sitting in our hall lounge, and it occurred to us how weird it is that most of us have never met each others' family members. And even if we have, it was once or twice, so we are by no means super close to them. For me, that aspect of college is so different than high school, for my friends' families were family to me too. Reminiscing about this had me really missing all of my "second moms."

I don't know how my friend group got so lucky, but we all ended up with the best moms in the entire world. Having my friends' moms act as mothers to me leaves me with so many reasons to be thankful.

First, I am most thankful for them raising the best people I know, and the best friends I'll ever have. I am thankful that these friends have turned into sisters, and that their houses have turned into my second homes. How lucky I am to have multiple houses where I am able to completely be myself, and know that the people there will treat me like family.

I am thankful for the times that you took care of me. Whether it was giving me a ride to or from a game or practice, feeding me when I was over for dinner, putting new sheets on the bed for the nights I stayed over, taking me on some college tours, or for the countless favors, you always look out for me like I'm one of your own.

Thank you for always supporting me and for always wanting the best for me. My parents have always told me that a true friend will always be truly happy for you during your accomplishments and truly upset when you experience a loss or when something upsets you. Not only do my best friends want the best for me, but so do their mothers. Every college acceptance, every game won, every award given, my squad of moms was always the happiest for me.

But they were also there to give big hugs when hugs were needed and moral support when moral support was needed. When there was a death in my family, my moms always came with their daughters to be there for my family.

In a way, we are all like one big family because I know my second moms would do anything for me, and my (actual) mom would do anything for my best friends. My friends and I are so lucky to have had such incredible women to look up to as role models these past years.

Moms, thank you for helping to shape me into the person I am today, and thank you for everything you do for me.