A relationship doesn't just consist of you and your significant other — there are many other factors. Friends, siblings, and ultimately, the parents. You do everything you can to please them and deem worthiness, and to some relationships, this is unsuccessful — especially with mother/son relationships.

Well, you were different.

I remember when I first met you: You were cool, collected, and obviously observing me to see if I was a threat to your son or your family. To be honest, I don't think I was ever so intimidated in my life!

But still...you were different.

We vibed differently than most mom/girlfriend relationships. You actually listened to me, supported me in my dreams and goals, and you always gave me the inspiration to keep going. You were the actual mother figure I had lost, and that meant more to me than you will ever know.

Suddenly, tragedy struck, and I was lost.

You took me into your home and family, even when you didn't know me well. I could tell you were hesitant, yet you had a heart.

To the woman who helped pick me off the ground, dust off the dirt, and pushed me to keep going — thank you.

Thank you for believing in me when I couldn't even believe in myself. There were days — many days — where I was lost in a trance of self-pity and couldn't shake it off. I'll never forget the day you told me, "Sit and cry in the car, but once you open the door, straighten yourself up and keep going." You taught me that crying isn't a sign of weakness, but rather strength — and to keep your eye on the prize after the pity party is over.

You taught me that rather than being a survivor, to be a warrior.

You've been dealt a hard deck of cards just like I have, and I think that's why I admire you so much. However, no matter how hard life gets for you, you keep on going on. You don't just survive; you are a warrior who fights one hell of a fight for family and loved ones. You stand valiantly, and I respect that more than anything. All in all, you taught me to be a fighter for my beliefs.

Thank you for raising you son to be the best version of himself.

Straight up: you raised a keeper. He's smart, so kind and patient with people. He is passionate and has a heart of gold, which I believe he got from you. He brightens the room once he walks in it, and he is a ray of sunshine in mine and so many others lives. You raised him to greet people who walk in a room, to be considerate of others feelings, and he is personable and can strike a conversation with nearly anyone. By being the best mother for him, you taught him how to treat a woman — and he does just that.

Thank you for helping me find myself.

When I came to you, I was lost and alone. There were days where I didn't think I could keep going, and nor did I really want to. If it weren't for you and your son, I'm not sure what I would've done to myself. Instead, you pushed me. You pushed me to get good grades, work hard in my jobs, be proactive on my physical and mental health, and to become completely independent. By pushing me to my potential, I actually found myself. It was because of you and him that I started to love myself, which was the best thing to ever happen to me.

There are many reasons to thank you, but I thank you mainly for teaching me what a true woman looks like.

Your work ethic, fight, and love is what makes you who you are — and I hope to be even half of the woman you are. When I become a mother, in the very far future, I hope to pay it forward and change lives. Because that's what you did — you changed my life for the better.

I've had many role models in my life, however you are one of the greatest that have impacted my life, and I am so grateful for that.

So as your son and I move out of your house and begin our journey together, know that I am utterly grateful for everything you have done for me and him, and that you will continue to be a vital role model in my life.