Bonus Parents, Because They Are Not “Step” Anymore

Mommy, you’re such an amazing woman of God. You’re a beautiful soul who loves everyone and everything. You see the good in people, even when they are the worst. You love with all your heart and nothing less. You are strong, courageous, and powerful. I love you.

Daddy, you are my rock. You have showed me my value, capability, and how worthy I am. You were my first love, and will be a continuous love of mine until the day I die. You show me life is not about living in the fast lane, but about taking time to stop and smell the roses. You are stern, brave, and influencing. I love you.

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What about the “step” parents though; and I quote “step” because, for me, they are not “step” parents. They are bonus parents. They are that extra love that I receive, and that I feel I sometimes do not deserve. Bonus parents—this one's for you.

To my bonus mommy:

You didn’t have to love me. You didn’t have to choose me. You didn’t have to show me the ways of life like you have. The best gift is the gift of your soul. The intelligence in you is astonishing. You are one of the smartest people I know. Thank you for teaching me to be a strong, independent woman, and for seeing my flaws and helping correct them to help build my character. I have never witnessed such a strong determination from anyone else. You are determined to make sure I am happy, healthy, and set for life emotionally and mentally. I am so proud to have you in my life; to have someone so unique and generous as you. You always express your wishes for me, but I have wishes for you as well. My wish to you is that you continue to grow. You continue to blossom into the woman you are meant to be, and no I am not saying you’re not there yet. To me you are blossomed and set, but everyone has room to grow, and I hope you continue on this path of happiness and success. My father could not have picked a better woman to be my bonus mommy. I am proud of you. I am blessed to call you Mom. I love you.

To my bonus daddy:

Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for lifting me up in my darkest moments. Thank you for being my cheerleader. Most importantly, thank you for choosing me. The amount of support you give my mother and my family is amazing. You have stepped up and helped create this beautiful life of mine, and I am so happy you’re a part of it. I never want you to feel less important, or like you are low on the totem pole, because you’re not. You have taught me right from wrong. You have taught me hard work and determination pays off. You have taught me that a man should treat me like nothing less than a queen. The amount of love you have in your heart is indescribable, ole man. I am proud of you and I am incredibly thankful for the way you’ve treated my mother. I am grateful for you. My wish for you is that you continue to strive for greatness; that you reach your life goals and rest in absolute peace next to my mom. I thank you for everything. I love you.

Never take your bonus parents for granted, because they chose YOU when they don’t have to. Being in that position is hard, be sensitive and patient. Most importantly, be loving, caring, and grateful... because one day, you will miss the shit out of them.

Thank you.