Dear Hays Clan,

Oh, how I love you guys. I have never felt like a bigger member of a family I have known for so little time. I don’t knock anymore when I come over. I’m always greeted with a hug and I always feel welcomed.

Momma Hays, I feel like you’ve seen me more than your own daughter since we’ve gone off to school. You ask about everything going on in my life, but never dig too deep. You want to me to stay over breaks whether your child is there or not. You loved me from the moment I was introduced to you. You’re so funny and so silly and I’m so grateful to have had a second mother like you. My mom isn’t very girly, but you, you love shopping and hair and makeup and always make sure I feel so pretty.

Your laugh is contagious. From time to time you get a little tipsy and prove to be a truly cool mom. You offer a special kind of love that can only come from you. You’re an amazing cook and always encourage the over-indulgence of ice cream. You’ve seen me at some of the best and worst times and were always there to lend a helping hand. Thank you for all you do for me. I love you so much.

Poppa Hays, you get offended if I stop by and don’t come in. You invite me anywhere that you and the family are. You helped me with my car, made my boyfriend’s feel embarrassed and awkward as if I was your own and always tell me to put my money away. You’re a man who is so devoted to his children and I respect you so much for the support you show them and me, your bonus kid. You tell me how proud you are of me and I’m not even yours.

I’ve seen you be the bad guy (usually at an all-day softball tournament) and I’ve seen the big softy you can be like when you walked Eleni down the aisle. You drove us to many a concert, tennis match, ice cream run and anywhere else we ever wanted to go. You’re one of the biggest sports fan I’ve ever met and you have that same dedication to everything you do. You’re a great man.

You two have created one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. I am grateful for her and grateful for the second family you guys have created for me. You guys remind me how loved I am, how proud I should be of myself and how much fun I can have. You are great parents, grandparents and friends. I know I always have a place to stay. I know I’ll never have to knock. I know I’ll always have someone on the outside to talk to. I know I got really lucky to have a second family as great as yours. Thank you for all the love and support.

Love,

Your Bonus Kid