Growing up in a household of five kids is not easy. Being the oldest is even harder, especially being the one in charge of doing chores, babysitting, and helping mom. But, more importantly, you develop a relationship with those siblings that is cherished for the rest of your lives. My family dynamic allowed me to create a very deep bond with my youngest sibling. I have always thought of myself as her role model, but these past few years she has actually become my role model. After years of fighting a debilitating disease, she is still a positive influence on others, and especially to our family.
1. Don't Be Sad, Be Happy
Even when my life gets rough, she’s the spark of energy that makes me smile. Every time I am having a hard time, at work, home, or even with school, seeing her face is another way to turn my day around. Her joyful spirit inspires me to always enjoy my life to the fullest.
2. As She is Looks Up To Me, I'm Looking Up To Her
She was 7 years old. Never did she expect to make hospital visits frequently once a month, sometimes even more. Infusions, medications, and checkups was her daily life. As an older sister, I would cry knowing she has to experience these things so young. But, I knew every day that if she kept fighting then so would I. She kept me positive even though I wasn’t the one with complications.
3. We Got Spirit, Yes We Do. We Got Spirit, How About You?
Cheerleaders, we are born with spirit in our hearts, and energy filled in our brains. Being able to share the same traits as your little sister is like a dream come true. We both love cheerleading, not being able to share the excitement of jumping, cheering, and being full of energy can be hard when your body won’t let you. You think that stopped her from her dreams? NO. Even when I am at college cheering, she knew that one day she would be able again too. Supporting my cheerleading was something I loved about her, because I was inspiring her to be just like me one day.
4. Beauty Is On The Inside
Not every girl starts getting self-conscious thoughts at the age of seven years old. Well, my little sister did. She was bullied because of the way her rash made her look, or the way she had trouble with walking up the stairs. Staying strong and hopeful for her is what kept her going. Even when I would be upset at the other kids, she knew that she was her own kind of beautiful. I used to think badly about myself, but seeing how confident she was, helped me stay confident about myself.
5. Every Day Was Another Step Forward
Everyone in the world has problems they go through, but that isn’t something to give up on. Things come in your way every day, and decisions are always being made. For my little sister, I thought the end was near, but that never stopped her from being a little girl. It didn’t stop her from doing cheerleading, or gymnastics, and that helped me to continue moving on no matter what is going on behind me.
6. Sisters Are BFFs
Don’t you have that sibling you spend all your time with? Well, I do. When I am with her we make goofy faces, funny noises, pick on each other, and have sleepovers. Having a sister, means you build relationship of honesty, beauty, and love. I look at my sister as someone I can go to tell everything too. She is my shoulder to cry on, no matter what, she does everything she can to make me happy.
7. Family Is Everything
Without seeing her become the young little lady she is, I don’t think I would have been able to leave off to college with her disease still continuing. She wanted me to continue my life, just as much as I didn’t want her to stop living every day. My little sister is my role model because she went through a struggle I never got to experience. She struggled and chose to stay stronger than ever, she fought for her big sis, and for her family. Without watching the braveness she had, I don’t think the relationship we have no would have developed so closely.
