Today, I’m feeling like a proper “Thank you” is in order.

To all of the real moms of the kids I call mine, I say…

Thanks for sharing your kids with me. You may never know how much healing comes from being able to help with others’ kids.

I recently thanked two of these moms in person. My favorite response came from Nathaly’s mom. I’m still laughing about it weeks later. Her response to me was a simple nod and smile. I wasn’t sure she understood me. Later, however, Nathaly told me that her mom said to her, “She said ‘thank you for sharing her with me’ but I don’t share you; you just leave.” While that might be true, it’s because of her mother’s loving heart that Nathaly allows me to consider her mine.

I know that it might be an awkward thing to respond to, but I feel truly honored to be a part of these kids’ lives, and feel that I owe a huge amount of gratitude to their real moms. I don’t know if I could share my kids with anyone else, but I will be eternally grateful that there are women out there stronger than me.

Thank you, moms. I love your kids as though they were my own. I’m grateful for the things I learn from them, the influence they have on my life, and the difference they’re making. It’s because of you.

Thank you.