Dear Mama,

I would like to start by saying that you are the biggest blessing in my life. I want to thank you for taking me in as one of your own, even when you didn't have to. You've taken in me and so many others. So, this is our way of saying thank you. Thank you for accepting each and every one of us no matter what our past is.

I don't know what kind of effect you've had on everyone else's life, but I do know you've had nothing, but a positive effect on all of us. As for me, it's so much deeper.

Just a few months ago, I was sleeping on a couch in a studio apartment, taking care of my alcoholic mother. I became friends with your daughter and from the first time I walked into your house, you made me feel like I was home. No one in the house called you by your name. We all refer to you as "Mama." After a few weeks of coming over regularly, you sat me down and had a talk with me.

You told me that I was a kid. I shouldn't be taking care of my mother. My mother is fully capable of paying her own bills and taking care of herself. I needed to live MY life and focus on ME. And let me tell you, that was the best advice anyone has ever given me. You allowed me to move in so I could save up MY money and get started with MY life. You took me in as one of your own.

Growing up, I didn't have either of my parents teach me how to be an adult. When I was ready to buy a car, you and your husband went above and beyond to help me find the best car for me. You are there when I need you and you understand me. You are probably one of the strongest people I know. After everything you've been through, you never make an excuse as to why you can't provide for your family. You go above and beyond.

Not only do you provide for your two biological children, but you provide for your other 13 children that you've taken in. You provide for all of us and then you wake up each morning and go teach. You're helping so many people and you don't even have to try that hard.

Before I moved in, there were days when I truly thought no one cared about me. But now, I don't ever have that thought. The love you've given me within a matter of months has made up for 21 years of feeling abandoned by my mother and more.

Mama, thank you for being you. Thank you for all you've done for me and everyone else who has walked through your front door. You don't realize what a blessing you've been to me and so many others. I'm so grateful to have people in my life who care about my growth as if it's part of their own.