Dear Sissy,

I’m writing this because I don’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you and I believe not celebrating those we love while they are with us is something that ills our society. Please accept this open letter as a public form of my affection and token of my appreciation of you for everyone to see.

First off, I want to thank God for you. The origins of my belief (and faith) in God stem from a story mom once told me. She said to me that when you were born the doctors didn’t expect you to live, but by God’s divine intervention you are here 23 years later and for that I will always believe and have faith in Him.

Since that time, your life has been a constant battle. From years of being in and out of hospitals for various medical complications to the norm of having drama with friends you’ve been through the ringer but still, your heart is pure.

I truly cannot comprehend how you keep it together. I wonder how someone who has been through so much can still love as much and as hard as you do. I think that will forever be a mystery.

Second, I want to thank you for being the best big sister anyone could ever dream of. There is no exaggeration here, in the big sister department you will always have first place. You have been a superb role model for me and I am grateful to have you to look up to. Every step of the way you’ve guided me. Though I hate it, you’re also a great third parent--always keeping me in line even though I swear this three and a half year age difference means nothing.

Even more, you are a great support system. Not once in any of my endeavors have you told me that I cannot do something. When I’m being my own worst critic, you work your way in and remind me of all the things I’m good at. You remind me not to be too hard on myself and let me know how proud of me you are and I appreciate that.

Thank you for always being present. For being there when I need you and especially when I didn't want you. For not accepting "no" as an answer when I didn't want to talk about what was bothering me. Thank you for all the smiles, laughs, and inside jokes. For all those times you randomly popped in my room to see how I was doing or just to talk. Oh, how I adore these moments I have with you now and I'll miss them as life pulls us in our respective directions.

With all this, I just want you to know...

How important you are to me and to our family. You are truly one of a kind sis and I'm blessed and honored to call you mine. Don't ever forget that I'm here for you just the same. Always willing to lend an ear when you want to talk, be the shoulder you cry on, or just plain have a good time whenever you're for it. You have always held me down and for that, I got your back like chiroprac. I love you, Cookie, to the moon and back x infinity.

Love,

Lil P