To my big sister:

There are many people I can look up to in my life, but none as special as you. Although I know I stole your thunder of being the only child and took most of the attention from our parents away from you, there's nothing you wouldn't do for me. You prove it time and time again, and how could I say that about anyone else I look up to? There are certain things I can only learn from you, and I hope you know how thankful I am for you.

Our relationship started out a little rough, you could say, but in recent years you have become my best friend and taught me everything a big sister should. Growing up, you have always known how to make me laugh harder than anyone else. A lot of my awesome sense of humor comes from you, and I have to give credit where credit is due.

Whenever we got in trouble, you were always the first to take the heat, so I thank you for that. You are such a team player. In school, you never really tried so your grades were never as good as they could've been. Thank you for this also, because it made me look super smart. Once again, you've always shown me how to take one for the team.

You were always the first to go through things, which always made it easier for me. However, tough love was your middle name. When I messed up, you always let me hear it, but always helped me deal with it. You never sugar coat, and you never go easy on me...ever. My bruises/scars from when we were young prove that.

In all seriousness, there are a lot of things you aren't, but there are a lot of things you are. Everything you are not makes you who you are and has shaped who I am. I could not have gotten through my first heartbreak, my first year of college, my high school years, or any major milestone without you. You always told me how to deal with it, but never had to tell because you had already shown. You have taught me how to be independent and strong-willed because that's exactly what you are.

You are the most hard-working woman I know, and I am so thankful for that because it has influenced me to be just the same. You excel in being an "adult" and I do not, but you have helped me gain some real world experiences.

You have taught me to be confident and worthy. You have taught me independence and strong will and how to be a big sister as well. I have learned so much from you through everything you do. So thank you for making mistakes and succeeding; I have been watching the whole time, and you haven't let me down. No amount of thank you's can express my appreciation for you, but this is my attempt.