Bonus Parents Forever Uncle George and Aunt Jeannine, You were there when I was young, You loved me like your very own, With every race that life had run. You taught me how to mind my manners, When to speak and when to hear, You gave me lessons without knowing They’d stay with me throughout the years. You taught me how to weld and work, How to tie a proper knot, A little bit of auto work, And a whole lot of what life’s taught. You showed me family ain’t just blood, It’s who’s standing by your side, The ones who love you without questions, The ones who never leave you behind. You were my bonus mom and dad, More than you’ll ever know, You helped raise this wild young kid And taught me where to go. From family cookouts in the backyard To dinner ‘round the table, Laughing till we couldn’t breathe, Just as long as we were able. If love is what makes family, Then there’s no question where you belong— Uncle George and Aunt Jeannine, You’ve been part of me all along. Us kids were kings of our own kingdom, Running wild beneath the sun, Building forts out in the yard, Thinking life would never come undone. Making mud pies in the potholes, Getting dirty head to toe, Never knowing those were moments We’d spend our whole lives missing so. And those dinners at the table, Man, the laughter filled the room, Daddy and Auntie starting wars That would make the whole house boom. Breaking-wind battles had us crying, Trying hard to hold it in, Those silly little family moments Are the memories that still win. I hope you know I never took it For granted what you gave, The love you poured into my childhood, The memories that you made. You didn’t have to help raise me, You didn’t have to care, But you chose to love me anyway, And you were always there. You were my bonus mom and dad, More than words could ever say, You helped shape the man I became In more ways than I can explain. You taught me love without conditions, You taught me right from wrong, You showed me that the ties of love Can hold a family strong. So here’s my heart, Uncle George, And Aunt Jeannine, here’s my song, Thank you for the years you gave me, Thank you for helping me along. And if I get to choose my family In this life and every one— I’ll choose you two forever, My bonus parents… Forever loved, forever family, Forever in my heart.
