Dear Little Sister,

I remember when we were little, when we fought over the stupidest things, screamed at each other, and overall just hated each others' presence. For years, I thought the hatred was going to go on forever. I didn't understand how people even hung out with their younger sisters, let alone liked them. They were so annoying. I was amazed when I saw grownups hanging out with their little sisters like it was no big deal. They genuinely loved each other. I doubted for years on end that this was ever going to be the case for us.

Throughout high school, I saw you as an annoyance. You were (and still are) loud, you ate all of the good food in the house, and you had better grades than me. I was pleased every time you left the house and I could think in silence.

Once I started talking about going to college, the fact that you were going to be alone kept running through your head. I knew this because you would get sappy sometimes and tell me how much you would miss me. This was weird. You'd never been that nice. It's moments like those that I am so grateful for having you in my life.

When I stepped out the door to go to college, I knew I was embarking on a new and exciting journey in my life, but sadly this journey meant being far from you and the rest of the family. I didn't realize until a few months of being away that there was a hole in my life.

Having you around was a part of my daily routine for so many years. You were always there to hang out with and share stories with. We would come home from school and make food together, which I enjoyed more than you knew. Once I got to college all that got ripped out of my daily life and got replaced by me texting and calling you. Of course it's great getting to talk to you, but it will never compare to getting to come into your room and bother you.

I couldn't be happier to have you in my life. When I was younger, I would occasionally wish that I was an only child, but imagine how lonely that would be. I know you wished it, too. But now that we're older I've come to realize you're one of my closest friends. You know me so well that if I blinked differently you would know something was up.

Despite me thinking that we would never become best friends, I think I've matured enough to admit it. You're my best friend, closer than anybody else could be. You've grown into a beautiful young woman and I know you have so much ahead of you. Always believe in yourself no matter what other people say.

Sincerely,

Your Older Sister