Dear Step-parents,

You guys go out of your ways for kids that aren't even biologically yours and I could not be any more thankful than I am. You guys didn't ask to be my parents, but you do anyways. You put up with everything that I do, good and bad and never ask for anything in return. I don't know how, but I am lucky enough to be able to have you guys as a part of my life. My parent's divorce seemed horrible when I was seven but the addition of you two makes the whole thing amazing. I honestly don't know where I would be in my life at this moment if you two weren't there for me every step of the way.

In just a couple of days I start my second year of college, and honestly, you guys are a big part of what got me here. You guys have taught me so much in the years we have been family. Things like "make sure everyone gets enough before you go in for the rest" and "should you need to, you could eat these plants to survive, but not those.... they'll kill you". Let's face it, you guys have helped raise me, so theres big part of me that is dedicated to you. So when I am a hot-shot millionaire, you can sit back and say, "where's my cut for helping?!". Don't worry you guys will get your share I promise! I could never thank you guys enough for everything you do and have done and will do in the future. Though I may not be around all the time, you guys are always on my mind. I cherish every moment we get to spend together because whether we are laughing about something stupid or having a serious conversation or venting about whatever issues we are having, I know someday I can look back and relive those moments again and again.

If we are being completely honest, there's nothing "step" about you. You guys have been in my life so long that our relationship goes so much farther than that. Like I already said, you helped raise me and create the man I am today and will be in the future. To me, you guys are my parents. Like a second mother and father. When people ask me, I don't say I'm your step child, I say I'm you child because I am. Not to draw offense to my biological parents but my statement hold true. Your family; sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and everything in between are my family too. They welcome me just as much as I welcome them and its so comforting to know I have such a great family. Though we are sometimes dysfunctional and sometimes don't see eye to eye, I know where we stand at the end of everyday. Through thick and thin, I can always count on you guys and I am forever thankful and I love you guys more than you could ever know! Thanks for being you!