Dear Little Sister,
Just the other day we were talking on the phone, not really about anything in particular. Maybe I was telling you about the episode of "Parks and Recreation" that I had just watched, but after we had hung up, it suddenly hit me how in the blink of an eye you've grown up. Somewhere along the way, you went from being my annoying little baby sister to a friend I call to talk to about anything and everything. And you've made this transition so beautifully and gracefully that I didn't even notice until now.
In most ways, you are miles ahead of where I was when I was your age. But you are coming to a point in your life where things are going to start to get a little more complicated. The great thing about having an older sister is that you get to watch the mistakes I make and hopefully learn from them. Between graduating high school and finishing up college, I have learned a lot of extremely important lessons that I now feel obligated to share with you as you approach that time in your life.
- Say what you need to say. If someone is being mean to you or treating you unfairly, call them out on it and they will respect you for it. Or if you had a friend that you knew you’d never see again, what would you say? If you could do one last thing for someone you love, what would it be? Say it, do it -- because nothing lasts forever.
- You will always get what you give. I have found this to be true all throughout my life with so many different things. In the way of karma but also with life. If you want to get the most you possibly can out of life, you have to be all in. Join all the clubs, go to the unpopular kid’s birthday party, try out for your school play -- whatever! The rest of your life is being shaped right now so try new things, chase your dreams and don’t be afraid to give your all! In the end, you will have gotten more out of life than you would’ve dreamed!
- Make time for the fam. Mom, Dad and I love you more than anyone else on this entire planet and only want the best for you. The cool thing about us is that we physically cannot stop loving you no matter what. We are the best link to your past and the most likely to be there with you in the future. As you get older, it’s important to have people who knew you when you were young. Also, and trust me on this, there is plenty of alone time as you grow up, and you will miss having a house full of love and laughter.
- Don't mix beer and liquor. Don’t be in a hurry! There will be plenty of time for parties and alcohol when you’re older, but in the future, stick to one or the other. No one likes the sloppy girl at the party, and no one likes vomiting or hangovers.
- Pick your friends. Don’t let them pick you; just like mom and dad have always said. Surround yourself with people who will play Just Dance on a Saturday night instead of drinking warm beer with the “cool” kids. Choose only people that make you feel funny, beautiful, smart and happy, and enjoy them. But do not make them the center of your world. There may come a day when they no longer make you feel like the best version of yourself, and that is when you need to let go.
- Be brave! Whether it’s with experiences or relationships or any aspect of life, don’t be afraid of anything! Sing if you want to sing, play the ukulele in a talent show, go on a date with someone you know is totally wrong for you and fall in love! These are the times where you’re supposed to be getting out there and living life! Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back. “The brave do not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all.”
Lastly, and most importantly…
- Know that I’m here. God made us sisters for a reason. We will always be learning from each other and helping each other grow. We have secrets and inside jokes and a special bond that no one else will ever have. Sisters are built-in friends for life; I realize that sounds like a cheesy hallmark card, but it is true. I’ll always be here for you. I’m the person that you can call when you get drunk for the first time and need a ride home or will cancel all my plans to take you backpacking through Europe. I'm the one who will be standing right next to you when you get married some day! I am so honored that I get to be by your side as you grow up and excited to see the great things that you will do with your life!
Love you always,
Your Big Sister
