I know you’re supposed to be the one who is always looking out for and protecting me, but as I get older it’s me that wants to do the looking out and protecting. I wish I could even attempt to repay you for all the love, guidance, advice and sacrifices you’ve given to me. You’ve been more than my big sister. You’ve been my best friend, my partner in crime, my therapist, my shoulder to cry on, my constant source of laughter, and sometimes you even played the role as my second Mom.

Thank you for never letting me settle for less whether it was boys, my future career choice or which college I should attend. Thanks for helping me with every decision, big or small, and trying to always push me in the right direction. I try to make very few decisions without first getting your seal of approval, but thank you for not saying "I told you so" too many times when I don't listen to your advice and you were right, and I was wrong.

Thank you for being a little harsh when I do try to settle for less or when you know I am fixing to make a huge mistake, because you know that is the only way to fully get through to me. Thank you for always telling me when I am being dumb, bratty, unreasonable or selfish — then buying me Sonic to remind me that you still love me unconditionally.

Thank you for being the person I want to call when I have exciting news, bad news, or when I am just bored laying in bed, and thanks for always picking up even when it’s been too long since my last call. Thank you for being my rock, and for never abandoning me even though I'm not as good at little sister as you are at big sister.

Thank you for loving me for who I am, but for more importantly unknowingly making me that person. You've shaped every aspect of my life. You being through everything before me makes you the best guide, protector and cheerleader of every step I take, literally. Thanks for giving me a better life. If I didn’t have my big sister I know for sure I wouldn’t have as happy of a life as I have now.

No matter how old I get, I will always need my big sister. You are my favorite blessing, sis, I love you.