Dear best friend,

So basically I never had a sister biologically. And as wonderfully awesome as having an older brother is (love you ,Daniel!), I was never able to do the girly sisterly things, like share clothes, with him. But thankfully, you came into my life early enough that it's almost like I did actually have two siblings. In fact, your family became like my second family and mine, yours. You've been there for me through everything, from elementary school to college. I mean you even stood by my side when my teeth were miles apart, connected by braces and my hair was way too short. We shared secrets and clothes, we talked about boys, we dressed up to go to fancy restaurants (and just get dessert), and we made some classic memories that I can't thank you for enough. You allowed me to have the sister experience that I never thought I would.

We hung out so much in our younger years that we even fought like sisters. And at times I thought some fights would be the end of the friendship, but after 12 years and from about 400 miles away, I still talk to you nearly every day; when we get to hang out, it's like nothing has changed. You know literally everything there is to know about me. You've never once judged me, you encourage me when I don't believe in myself and you tell me the truth when I need to hear it. You are the one I can always go to when I don't want to talk and just need someone to understand. In fact we can literally sit in silence for like hours and still have as great of a time as we would if we were dancing to our favorite song or spending a day in the city.

I've watched you grow a lot these past 12 years; I mean, yes, you have gotten (a little) taller, but you've also become one of the kindest, strongest, smartest and most beautiful people (both inside and out) that I know. You continuously amaze me and I'm so honored to call you my best friend and my "little sister."

I definitely do not tell you enough, but I'm so thankful that you moved into the neighborhood back in third grade. You are such a incredible human being and you make me want to be a better person. Thanks for the inside jokes, for loving the same music as me, sharing a passion for shopping, always being down for ice cream, helping me pick out outfits via FaceTime and always having my back.

You're the family member that I got to choose and I know I made the right choice with a "sister" like you. So thanks for being you and this is just a reminder so you never forget how awesome you are.

Love you, sis,

Your sister-friend