To my best friend’s mom & dad, my mom’s best friend, my dad’s best friend, and the rest of the village that helped raised me- Thank you.

Let me first give you my own little definition of “family that isn’t technically family.” Family that isn’t technically family are people who love you like their own, even though you aren’t. Family that isn’t technically family are people who love you unconditionally, even though they don’t have to. Family that isn’t technically family are people who let you raid their pantry right after they go grocery shopping, and don’t ask you to pay them back. (lol, you know who you are)

Now, I could go on forever about why I’m thankful for these people. However, I’m just going to tell you a few reasons.

• I’m thankful that you all make me feel so “at home” in your home. From day one, you have all made me feel comfortable, safe, and loved. I am thankful that I can find your home as a safe haven when times are tough and I don’t want to go to my own home. I am thankful you are willing to take me in with open arms whether its two in the afternoon, or two in the morning. I am thankful that you have always made me a place at the dinner table, and my own little spot on the couch.
• I am thankful that you treat me like one of your own. I am thankful for all of your advice, tough love, and discipline because you do not have to give me any of it. I am thankful for all of my second “mom’s and dad’s.” I am thankful that you buy me birthday and Christmas gifts because that is beyond what you have to do for a child that isn’t yours. I am thankful to have so many people in my life who love me unconditionally, the same way they love their own families.
• I am thankful that you have always understood and accepted what I have gone through as a child. I am thankful that you have never judged me. I am thankful that even when you didn’t know why I didn’t want to go home, you didn’t ask questions. I am thankful for all of the tears that you wiped away from my eyes. I am thankful that you have never pushed me away. I am thankful that you say “I’m proud of you” when I conquer even the simplest of tasks.

Thank you for being all that you are. Thank you for always being so kind and warm. Thank you for being a “mom” and a “dad” to a child who wasn’t yours. Thank you for being so welcoming. Thank you for having a big heart. Thank you for making me feel so safe. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me because you never had to.