Dear Little Sister,
As we inevitably grow older and apart from our childhood, there's just a few things I think you should know. I don't get to tell you every day like I should, so here's a letter you can re-read and never forget.
Well, I love you, for one. I know it may seem surprising sometimes with the way we bicker and fight. Although we may disagree and disapprove, at the end of the day, I'll be fighting in your corner and you'll be fighting in mine. We are family, and we are going to have to get through the hardest times of our lives together, but also enjoy the happiest times of our lives together. You have no idea how relieved I am to have you.
I just want to start off the letter with five pieces of sisterly advice.
1. I'm not always right.
Okay, let's be honest, I'm right most of the time. However, I don't feel as though you ever have to do what I do or the exact way I do it. I'm not right. There's not one right way to live life. You're a different person than me, and just because you do something different, doesn't make you wrong or less than me. Your version of right and my version of right can be completely opposite, and that's okay! Your success and my success don't have to align perfectly. Your decisions and my decisions can vary. Your happiness may stem from something other than where mine did. Strive to achieve your goals, not mine.
2. Don't rush.
Whether you like it or not, I'm older than you, and no matter what mom tells you, I'm wiser. That being said, I'm begging you to not rush through life. It doesn't get better and worry-free. I mean, it does get better in different ways, but then it gets worse in others. So, while you're busy wishing to be in the next phase of your life, time will fly and you won't be able to catch your breath. Don't forget to live, slow down and take your time. Every phase has its own beauty, so enjoy it while you still have the chance.
3. Keep fighting.
Life is going to kick you in the face even harder than it already has. You're going to get to a point where everything is overwhelming and seems impossible, but keep fighting. You're stronger than you think you are. Trust me. You're one of the strongest people I know.
4. Be brave.
Take some risks. For mom's sake, nothing too risky. I mean do things that you don't think you can actually do. Try it out and if it doesn't work, so what? Who cares what other people think? Your opinion of yourself is what matters and you're going to miss out on so much if you don't go for it sometimes.
5. We're a team.
I am on your team no matter what, and I mean that in the most serious form. I can be mad at you, the world can be mad at you, but I will still be on your team. I will always be cheering you on. I will always pick you up when you're down. I will always push you to do your best. I will always celebrate our wins and mourn our losses. Life is one big game and you're going to need teammates to help you survive it. I will always be there. I don't care what it is, I will be there.
Now, that we are past the advice portion of the letter, I just want to make sure you know how proud I am of you. You have become an incredible woman and you're my best friend. You make me laugh, you make me frustrated, and underneath that hard exterior, I know there's a large heart full of love to give. It is not easy for someone to get through your wall, but if they do, they will find a treasure of a person. There's no one like you in this world, and I am blessed to call you my sister.
Until I see you at dinner,
Your Older Sister
