We live in a time where many of our biological fathers and mothers aren't together for many different reasons. This is where step parents come into play. Luckily, I have the best situation a child of a step parent could ask for. My step dad has been there for me before I could even remember; he is someone I can always count on. Being a step parent is one of the most challenging things to take on; you are making a choice to a raise a child that is not biologically yours, but you love them anyway. You stepped in and filled a spot in a child's life that may be missing if it weren't for you, shout out to you. I know raising me has been a wild ride and that is why I want to say thank you.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

When you met me at just about three years old, would you have expected me to be almost 20 and the person I am today because of you? Without you pushing me to succeed and believing me growing up, I wouldn't be where I am today. From taking me to the father daughter dance in elementary school, to dancing with me at my sweet sixteen and sending me off to every prom, you were always there.

Thank you for always taking my side.

Growing up includes making almost too many mistakes, which you had to witness and help guide me through. Whenever I messed up you were always the one to get the full story, and not make me more upset then I already was. Pretty sure if it wasn't for you I would have been grounded half of my life. You taught me how to calm down in an upsetting situation, a skill used many times in college.

Thank you for completing our family.

This family would not be the same without you. You always know how to joke around and make all of us the happiest we can be. I know living with three woman is not an easy thing to do, but you make it seem easy. Thank you for making my mom the happiest person and for providing her with anything you can to make her happy. There's no other man I can imagine my sister and I looking up to, you truly are one of the most hardworking people I know.

Thank you for always being there for me.

From falling and scraping my knee when I was younger, to boys breaking my heart, to life changing decisions like college, you were the person there to help me. This family has been through more than most together, and if it weren't for you our family wouldn't be as strong as it is today. Whatever problem I've faced you were the calming voice with advice like no other. I truly couldn't image my life without you in it.

Thank you for always being the dad I needed.

I hope the person I marry in the future is half the man you are. Thank you for dealing with my sass, talking back and mood swings throughout my awkward years, I don't know if anyone else but you could have handled it. Thank you for falling in love with this family and making it whole, while inviting us into your family with loving arms. So here's to you, for being my real dad and the dad I always needed.