Taylor,
I wanted to let you know how very much you are loved. I’m not saying this for any particular reason, other than I think you should know how incredibly wonderful you are and that someone in your life (namely, me… your big sister and best friend for the past nineteen years) feels overwhelmingly grateful for you. I'm writing this to you because I fear that you haven't learned from all of my mistakes, and I really want you to do well in this world. I'm writing this because I want to see you become the amazing, world-changing woman I know you can be. I'm writing this because this world is a scary place, and I want you to know what I didn't know. I want you to know that things are going to be hard sometimes. You'll get so overwhelmed that it might get hard to breathe, but I promise if you get up and walk away from whatever it is for a little bit, that when you come back, you can conquer it. I know you can conquer it because you're my little sister, and you can do anything you put your mind to. Plus, I'm always just a phone call away to help. I know you had a rough start in college.
Your freshman year could have gone better but I need you to know it’s only going to get better from here. You’ve probably already been at the lowest point that you’re going to reach and that means it can only get better from here. I want you to know that people are going to break your heart and be mean to you. It’s going to suck. But it's a lesson to learn from. It'll show you how strong you are. It'll show you how great your friends are, or aren't, by who comes to stand by you during tough times. And on the other hand, you're going to find people who are kind and caring and treat you with the respect you deserve to be treated with. Try not to lose those people, because they'll help you keep perspective. You got very lucky with your hometown friends. I’m convinced Bianca and Anna were put on this earth for you. They always have your best interest in mind and that’s more than a big sister could ever want for her little sister. Since you’re moving back home, remember this; I swear Mom and Dad just want the best for you.
They are going to drive you crazy, and the rules are going to seem absurd and annoying (Especially since you’ve been used to not having any) but I promise you they mean well. Tell them you love them every chance you get. Eat dinner with them as much as possible, and let them embarrass you in public, because when you move back out, you're going to miss that. Know that you are one of the bravest people I know. You stand up for what you believe in. You fight the fight that not many will. You stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. You love with your whole heart. You are one of the kindest, most loving, strongest, stubbornest (right after Dad, of course) people I know. I am always and always have been in awe of that part of you. You may be my little sister, but I look up to you. You inspire me. You make me believe in myself. You encourage me to follow my dreams and to fight my own fights. You teach me about myself (and about fashion). You are my role model in so many ways. I didn’t realize having a little sister meant. I didn’t know it would mean that I would have a best friend who lived down the hall from me. I didn’t know I would have someone to run and cry to when I thought mom and dad were being unfair and you be able to understand. I didn’t know I would have someone to sit with at boring family events. I didn’t know was going to get to explore the world with you. And I definitely didn’t know I could love someone as much as I love you.
Always remember Tate, I love you for who you are and couldn't imagine a life without you. Growing up can be tough, but you’ve handled it all. Never change who you are because of what someone says or an insecurity. If anyone knows you like I do, they know how much of an amazing person you are and how much they deserve to have you in their life. Let your confidence shine and never be anyone but yourself. I was already blessed by having you as a sister. But to be blessed with having a sister who I’ve always been close to is everything to me. Even though I want to punch you in the head sometimes, you truly are the light of my life. When I’m in a bad mood, you’re the only person I want around. Thank you for always being my sunshine in a hurricane and always being so patient with me, I could never in a million trillion years imagine my life without you in it. Thank you for not only being the best sister in the world but thank you for being the best friend I’ve ever had. You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family. But I would have picked you as my friend and sister.
I love you so much forever & always.
Your big sister, Tara.
