Dear Sophia,
Every time we walk into a room or down the street people stop us and ask, "Are you girls twins?" And we laugh, exchange glances, and you reply as if it were scripted, "No, actually she's two years older". We've never minded though, because we've always been attached at the hip. I mean we've definitely had our fights, but all siblings do.
Remember that one time I threw a huge plastic ladybug into the air, because with my crazy imagination I thought it would fly, and I told you to look up at it. Well, not so surprisingly, the toy bug didn't fly and stabbed you right in the eye. I seriously thought I had blinded you, but by the grace of God, I hadn't. Oh and let's not forget when I ran you over with my toddler-sized Barbie Jeep in the backyard, but didn't notice till our parents came running down the hill to check that I hadn't broken all the bones in your body. Let's just say that since then I've learned to be more careful and check my surroundings (especially for you).
See we complete each other: you've got the height, the STEM brain, and the maturity thing down while I'm often preoccupied with my next story idea, buzzing about dancing and singing or generally off getting distracted somewhere. You care through tough love, gift giving and lectures, while I express myself through words of affirmation, hugs, and poetry. I cried when Ray the courageous lightning bug from Disney's The Princess & The Frog died and then joined his true love as a star in the nighttime sky (yeah I cry pretty much during every children's movie), while I swear that the only time I've seen you lose itwas when Marley, the yellow Lab, died in Marley & Me.
You tell me when my outfit is a disaster or when my hair is a mess. It's not because you're trying to be mean or play the part of the typical annoying little sister; it's because you want me to always look my best. You're my fiercest advocate and I don't think you've ever lied to me. You tell me the truth, even when it's harsh, because you know it's what I need to hear.
We've never really competed against each other, even when we were on the same volleyball team with Dad as our coach. There was the rare occasion where one of us would miss a shot and we'd begin to argue. But the arguments never lasted very long because one of us would always apologize and then we'd seal the deal with a McDonald's ice cream run on the way home.
Our relationship got a little strained after I headed off to college. While before I had sometimes dreaded having to drive you home from school, I now missed waiting for you to hop into the front seat and demand control of the music. We couldn't spend lazy Sunday afternoons bonding over Just Dance competitions or exploring Riverbend Park on our bikes. We missed each other a lot, but I think we were almost too embarrassed to admit it at first. I don’t think I realized how much I actually missed you until the summer after my freshman year. Though in a way, I think the distance helped us realize that we were our best selves when by each other's side.
Now you're in the last semester of your senior year and preparing to make one of the biggest decisions of your life: where to go to college. You've already got a ton of acceptances and I'd be lying if I wasn't hoping that you'd end up at the University of Florida with me. Snapchat streaks and late night FaceTimes just aren't enough for me anymore. l know that it's selfish but I just miss being able to talk and hangout with you. Wherever you choose to go, I will be so incredibly proud of you (and will be wanting to visit you pretty often).
I'm writing you this letter because I want you to know how grateful and proud I am to be your older sister. You are truly the most giving person I know. You drop everything when I'm having a problem or just need some advice. You were my first best friend and you're my future Maid of Honor. You're the Cristina Yang to my Meredith Grey, the Monica to my Rachel, the Woody to my Buzz Lightyear.
I thank God every day for you, I don't think I could imagine a better little sister. I know He carefully crafted us both to be each other's "person".
I love you.
Your Big Sister,
Francesca
P.S. It took a while for me to pick a picture for this article, but I finally decided to go with this one because I thought it showcased our personalities perfectly.