Sis,

First off I want to tell you how much I love you, I don’t ever really tell you that enough mostly just because it always just seemed to be something that was unspoken in our relationship. Nevertheless, I love you and am so thankful to have had you to look up to for the last 20 years.

I’m not sure if I ever told you this, but I’ve always looked up to you. I wanted to be just like you, when we were kids and even today. It may have been because everyone around me knew me as your little sister, so the need to achieve the same level of success that you had came naturally. Yes, we are completely different people but I wanted to be just like my older sister because as a kid you were my role model and one of the coolest people I knew, even if you did hit me upside the head with dad’s baseball bat when I was a baby.

Something else that you may not know is how incredibly proud of you I am. You can ask any of my friends, I brag on you all the time. Your work ethic is unmatched and your dedication to your friends and everything you do is something that I have always admired. Not to mention the fact that you’re about to graduate as Magna Cum Laude... if that isn’t a testament to your dedication and passion I can’t tell you what is.

So far in this letter I’ve told you how proud of you I am and how much I love you, but there are a few other things I have to say, Not that either of the former two things aren’t true, because they are but I need you to know that as you get ready to go out into the real world. First off, please don’t forget to visit. I know I don’t get to see you a lot right now, and haven’t really gotten to that much in the past 3 years but I miss you. Yes, I know you are only a phone call or text message away and that I don’t take advantage of that enough but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss you. Truth be told I wish you were around a lot more just so I have someone to get annoyed at every now and again. I also miss being able to just go to the mall or basketball games with you because I love hanging out with you and taking to you, and your taste in music isn’t that bad. All of that is to say, don’t move too far away because I love and miss you when you’re gone.

Secondly, take some time to appreciate the few weeks you have left. As you get closer and closer to graduation I’m sure all you can think about is being done with school and moving on to the next chapter in your life. I know that you’re probably extremely stressed between work, school, your sorority and everything else, but remember to take a couple deep breaths and appreciate the moment. You will never be in the same position you are again and that’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. The past years have flown by, but now it’s time to slow things down and remind yourself of all the good, and the bad, times you’ve had over the past four years. They’ve helped you to grow and probably taught you a lot about yourself, so take some time to appreciate the small moments because in reality they probably turned into big moments without you even realizing it.

Finally, I can’t wait to see what you’re going to accomplish in due time. You’ve worked relentlessly to be able to wear the cap and gown and walk across the stage to receive a piece of paper but now it’s your time to show the world what that piece of paper can do for you. I’m excited for the journey God has planned for your life and am blessed that I get to be a part of it, even if it is from a distance. You always encouraged to do, and be, my best so now it’s my turn to do the same for you. I know that along the way there are going to be bumps in the road and you’re going to feel like the world is against you, but always know that there’s always someone on your side. Go out there and give ‘em heck big sis. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Love you always,

Turkey