Dear little sister,

I know what it’s like to be your age. To be young and to have the whole world in front of you. You are at an age where your personality is starting to shine through, and you’re starting to become your own person. There’s a few things I want you to know first:

I remember what it was like to be friends with everyone. You’re at an age where everyone is friends with everyone and no one has started judging others. There’s no cliques. Enjoy that. Enjoy every minute where your friends are your friends because they enjoy spending time with you, and not because of what you can offer them.

You have dreams. Right now, you want to be a teacher when you grow up. You sit in your room for hours, and teach to a class full of imaginary students, but to you, this is where your dreams lie. I mean, for Christmas you asked for a wooden stool to use when you pretend to teach, because that’s what your teacher's use. I have never seen a seven year old so excited to receive a chair before. But you were. Keep that passion for your future alive. It might seem silly, but you’re already so passionate for something. Even if you decide later on that this career is not for you, then that’s okay. But always remember to follow the passions of your heart, and do what makes you happy.

I remember your first boyfriend. His name was Nathan, and to this day, that’s still your boyfriend. Although I think the last time you saw him was three years ago, in Preschool. I cannot tell you enough to patiently wait. I remember chasing boys on the playground with my friends in elementary school, and passing notes with check yes or no in Middle School. I desired to be loved. I desired to have a boyfriend like my friends. Don’t rush it. Heartbreak is something I hope you never experience. I know how badly it can hurt but I also know it's a part of life and sometimes inevitable. But, in the chance that you do experience this one day, know that it will be okay. You are worth so much more and you don’t need a guy to validate that.

Please stay your wacky-self. I remember the first time you put on make-up. I came home, and you walked up to me with blue eyebrows. You didn’t quite grasp the concept of where eye shadow went, but you were very confident. You wore that make-up when we went out to eat that night, and were proud of it. Don’t lose that confidence. You pick out your own clothes, and even when someone informs you that it doesn’t match, you say, “I don’t care, I like it” and go on your way. Stay like that. Don’t let other people convince you that you have to fit inside a mold. Wear those sweat pants with your cowboy boys and a pink clip-in hair extension with your blue eyebrows and bright red lipstick . Be you. No one can ever replace you. Keep that spunky personality.

Continue to be brave. You’ve been through a lot in your lifetime, more than anyone I know. But even at a very young age you are so brave. You wear your physical scars proudly, and are happy to tell your story. Keep being fearless.

Also, don’t lose your confidence in your relationship with Christ. You might be young, but you already have so much love for God. I remember the first time you prayed on your own. We were at dinner, and you went to go eat, and you said, “oh no, I almost forgot” and you bowed your head to pray. You didn’t make a big deal of it, and you did this alone. You didn’t let what the crowd was doing stop you. Right now a lot of people are afraid to open up about their relationship with God, but I pray that you are never silent, and you continue to have such boldness for Him. You are so passionate about church, and I hope that light continues to shine.

With everything, I hope you never stop being who you are. Don't conform to fit into a mold that society has created. You are more than what society says you should be. You are worth so much, and I hope you never feel any less.

Lastly, know how much I love you. You will always hold such a special place in my heart. No one can ever replace you. No matter what age we are, you’re always going to be my little sister.

Love you, so much much much,

Your big sis.