It's the first day of second grade. We start to introduce ourselves with the teacher and the class. She asks us to create a family picture with crayons and pencils. I looked at my paper, and was confused.

I never really liked my parents not being together. Not a lot of kids understood what it means to have your parents divorced at this age. They always saw it as "wow, you have two birthdays and Christmases. I'm so jealous." But they never understood the downfalls to it. One parent has me for the week, the other for weekends and summertime. There was two different parenting styles I had to adapt to. But I wouldn't me who I am today without you, my step parents.

This is a thank you letter.

First, I want to thank you for taking me in as if I was your own child. In movies, you were always depicted as the evil parent, giving me chores and not letting me have fun. When I was growing up, at times, I was scared you would become that creature. But, as I aged, you remained the same and I thank you for that.

I'd also like to thank you for giving me siblings. I was the only child that came from my father and mother. I always wanted to have a sibling because everyone else had one. And thanks to you, not only did I get an older step- sister, but I have five younger half-brothers and sisters. Thank you for giving me siblings to hang out with when you and my parent weren't around.

Thank you for being the fun parent. You were able to pull "well, that's not my kid, so I can't punish them" and still bring me out for ice cream when my parent was upset for something I did. Growing up, this was the best because there was never a dull moment when we would go out on our adventures.

Thank you for supporting me. I was involved with so many things when I was little. Never did I think you would come watch me achieve. From watching me get on my first plane ride alone to watching me grab my diploma, I never thought you would be my biggest cheerleaders in life. And I thank you for that.

This may sound weird, but thank you for not being emotional at times. There are some things I'd ask or tell my parents, they would cry or scream before giving me some help. If I came to you about it, you would act as if I was your co-worker and not freak out. So thanks for not making a big deal about my first period, and just giving me a pad as if it was an average Tuesday night.

Finally, thank you for loving my parent. When their love came to an end, you were able to mend the broken pieces and create another family I was blessed to be a part of.

So, I picked up my crayons and made two families, with me in the middle. If I had to describe my family, of course my step parents had to be included.

Again, thank you