You'll never know just how grateful I am to be able to call you my little sister. Even when I took you for granted or got frustrated with you, you've been one of the most important parts of my life. I don't know who I would be today without having grown up by your side. So, to my little sister...

First off, thank you for looking after Mom and Dad since I've been at school. I know they can be a handful!

Thank you for letting me eat all the desserts you make! I'd share with you, too, if I liked baking any more than I do.

Thank you for the random spam selfies you leave on my phone — you're setting yourself up, because you know I plan on sharing the worst ones!

Thank you for letting me have control of the radio in the car. I know you don't always love my (sometimes) weird music, but you listen anyway.

Thank you for going thrift shopping with me! I'm glad that we share an affinity for cheap, used clothes.

Thank you for giving me thoughtfully, handmade gifts. They're way more valuable than anything you can buy at the store.

Thank you for sharing with me. Whether it be some clothes, a curling iron, or, before too long, a car, you're a generous and understanding sister, and I appreciate it.

Thank you for leaving me sweet notes, letters, and drawings. It's so comforting to see your handwriting and know how much love was put into it.

Thank you for always sending me pictures of the pets. As much as I miss them, I'm glad to know you're giving them love and attention.

Thank you for singing with me. Is it because of the shared DNA that we can harmonize well? I guess it doesn't matter why (or if) we sound good because we have fun belting out songs together.

Thank you for acting as my model. Not only are you a gorgeous subject, but you're also patient with me as I explore photography and insist on taking a million shots.

Thank you for giving me a shotgun when I didn't even call it. I'm glad I don't have to fight you for it — I think you'd win more often than not.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful sense of humor. You always know how to alleviate tension and lighten up the mood.

Thank you for the cuddles. I'm glad you can tolerate being around me enough for us to nap spread out on top of each other!

Thank you for attending every. single. one of my concerts/games/ceremonies/etc. Knowing that you're in the audience is so reassuring. I'm sorry I'm not around now to see all of your activities, but remember that I'm always rooting for you!

Thank you for considering me a role model. Even if you sometimes used to annoy me with your constant desire to do exactly what I did, it feels good to be looked up to. I hope I was as good of an influence as I've always tried to be.

Thank you for teaching me, too. I've learned a lot from you — responsibility, empathy, dance moves, and all about James Charles — and it's an important aspect of our relationship to exchange knowledge.

Thank you for your constant love and support. Through injuries, stress, heartbreak, and every other human emotion, you've been by my side comforting me. I'm so grateful that you're always here for me.

* * *

I'm incredibly proud of you. You've grown into such a beautiful, mature young lady and I'm so happy to call you my sister. I miss you a ton — I can't wait to see you over spring break! Keep up the good work in school and your extracurriculars. You're ambitious and a hard worker, and that's really admirable. Most importantly, just keep being you, because you're the wonderful, sincere person that only you can be. I love you more than you know!

XO from WA,

Your big sister.