One of the greatest blessings I have ever received was the gift of my older sister. Watching her build a happy and successful life has demonstrated to me how important blocking out the white noise is, and that the most important thing is to follow your heart and let everything else fall into place.

Of course, as in most cases, we fought often growing up. But as we both mature and grow older, we are forever grateful for every memory we have made together, and cherish our relationship with our whole hearts.

My older sister was always someone I looked up to, and her strength has always inspired me, though I know she thinks she is weak. She knows what she wants, and after a long thought process, she never settles for less than she knows she needs. She pushes through every obstacle that life presents her with, and always makes it out just fine.

She has taught me how to be independent and determined, and to look within myself to find confidence. My only complaint is that she never did pass her athletic skills down to me, though I can’t place all the blame for that on her...

I have always been grateful to never need to look far for a friend, for my sister was always there for me. Through the tears and the heartaches and the weight of life, she was always there for me, and still is.

Even though she is all grown up, married and all the way across the country, I know I can count on her for whatever I need, no matter the severity or the time of day.

More than anything, my big sister gives me the guidance I need to be a big sister myself. I can only hope that my younger sister sees the qualities in me that I saw in my big sister, and that the bonds of friendship we have all developed and nurtured will never weaken.

So, big sister...

Thank you for showing me what it means to love someone unconditionally.

Thank you for telling me that I am talented, and nurturing my talents as they fluctuated over the years.

Thank you for demonstrating what it means to be a determined, stubborn woman.

Thank you for holding me while I have cried over almost every little thing you could imagine.

Thank you for putting the judgements aside and supporting me in all my decisions.

Thank you for being the best big sister I have always wanted.