To one of the most influential people in my life,
Thank you.
It’s difficult to say much more than that, not because you don’t deserve it (because you certainly do!), but because even though I consider myself an eloquent person, I am not nearly capable enough of expressing the sheer amounts of gratitude and love that I have for you. Yet, I will try, because it’s the least I can do after you have done so much for me.
First of all, thank you for my boyfriend. He is the most wonderful mixture of smart, talented, kind, considerate, fun and handsome that I’ve ever seen, and I have you to thank for raising him to be that way. Whenever I am around the two of you, I can so clearly see the love that you have for each other, and it makes my heart happy. You share that same love with me, and I appreciate it immensely, especially because my relationship with my own parents is oftentimes a rocky one.
Speaking of my parents, I consider you my second mom. I love my mom and dad more than anything, but knowing that you are more than willing to open your home and your heart to me whenever I need a safe space is the best feeling in the world. Not only that, but your pep talks laced with life lessons and reassurance help me more than you could ever know. You know so much about the world and have amazingly inclusive viewpoints on love, politics, the arts and more. It’s a refreshing contrast from how I was raised.
Thank you for making me feel like a part of your family. From giving me a house key to always offering to make food for me and inviting me to all of your family’s get-togethers, I never go a moment without feeling included. Once, I overheard you telling someone that I am “the daughter you never had” and that you wish that I “would stick around forever.” I absolutely will, if you’ll have me!
Thank you for taking an interest in my life. You never ask empty questions and always seem genuinely curious as to what I’ve been up to. You understand that my mental health is not always the best and constantly give me hope that the world is a lot better of a place than it seems. You are a busy lady and sometimes can’t tell me that directly, but your hugs prove that light always exists, no matter how dark of a situation we face.
That being said, I know that you have gone through and overcome so much, yet you always create an accepting and positive environment wherever you go. I have never felt uncomfortable, unappreciated, unwanted or unloved in your presence, and I cannot say that about many people. In the face of adversity and social injustice, you persevere and encourage those around you to do the same.
I hope, someday, that I can be half of the person, mother and friend that you are.
Thank you for everything.