I’ve been away from you for a couple of months now and time has truly started to show me your age. I guess I'd known for a while that something was starting to change in you, but it hadn't ever truly occurred to me that you were going to become an adult one day. Now being away at college, space and time that has been put between us has shown me more than ever just how much it is that you’ve grown up.

It gets harder to recognize you every time I come home. Since when did you get taller than me? When did you start to look the same age as my guy friends? When did you start to scare the boys I take home? When did you become able to beat them up? How did this all happen so quickly? And where did you hear those cuss words from? When did it start to become acceptable for you to say them? Is that a girl you’re talking to? When did you start talking to girls? Have you had your first kiss? When did I start to be able to talk to you about real things? And what’s that smell? Are you wearing cologne? I don’t think I ever remember giving you permission to grow up.

I’m sorry for all these questions. It’s difficult for me to realize that you’re almost an adult now. I don’t know how it all happened so fast. I was your protector growing up: the crazy older sister who would yell at any kid on the playground who tried to hurt you. You don’t need my protection anymore. When did that happen?

Even though I’m not the most thrilled about you growing up, I couldn’t be prouder of who you are becoming. You’re turning into an amazing person and I couldn’t be more disappointed that I have to miss it while I’m away at college. I hope you always know that even though everyone thinks you’re older than me, and even though you’re about a foot taller than me, I’ll always have your back as your older sister.

Your Protector And Older Sister,

Olivia

P.S. Please stop growing up.