Hey little one,

First of all, thank you. Thank you for laughing at my cheesy jokes, for singing your heart out in the car with me, and for never failing to make me smile. I have loved you for your whole life, and, as your big sister, I hope I was able to teach you a few things, to let you in on a few secrets. This is to you. Here are a few things I hope you know and don't ever forget.

1.You are so, so incredibly loved.

Mom and dad love you more than you know, I love you like you wouldn't believe, and you have a God in Heaven who loves you more than you could ever possibly imagine. No matter what, you are always and forever loved. You have so much adoration and support surrounding you, please don't ever be afraid to fall.

2. I love you, but stop getting taller.

You are my little sister. People are starting to think it's the other way around. I can't introduce you as my “little" sister if you're taller than me.

SEE ALSO:Being The Older Sister: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

3. Learn from my mistakes.

It is no secret that I am far from perfect. I have made mistakes, and I pray that I am always brave enough to share them with you, so that you can learn from them. I hope that you can see my mistakes as stepping stones, placed out over the mess, that you might bypass some of the obstacles I've had to face.

4. He's cute. But you are still way too young.

I don't care if you're 15 now, you will always be my baby sis. I'm not sure exactly how long it will take for me to be OK with you having a boyfriend, but today is definitely not that day.

5. I get jealous of you. All. The. Time.

You're an awesome athlete, and I am so proud of you. But so help me if you break another one of my school records.

6. You will always have me in your corner.

I will always be your biggest advocate, and I won't ever let you stand alone. I will stand up for you until the end of time. Never doubt that I am on your side.

7. You are exceptionally good at irritating me.

You know every single pet peeve of mine, and you know the perfect ways to drive me crazy. But you are also exceptionally good at making me laugh.

8. You are beautiful.

Please, please, please hear me when I say this: You are gorgeous. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and your smile and spark light up a room. You will hear things that will hurt, and you will be told lies designed to break you down. Please try your hardest not to ever listen to the pressures of today. Your uniqueness makes you special. You are you, and that is beautiful.

SEE ALSO:What It's Like Living In The Shadow Of A Successful Older Sibling

9. I am always, no matter what, without a shadow of a doubt, here for you.

I may be away from home now, but I will never stop being on-call for you. Call me at 3 a.m., text me in the middle of the day. Come to me with your fears and with your hopes. Come to me in your happiest moments, so that I can laugh with you, and come to me in your saddest moments so that I might wipe your tears away. I will never stop standing behind you with open arms.

10. Even when I don't say it, I love you more than anything.

Sometimes we argue. Sometimes we don't get along, and sometimes I am not the sister you deserve. But please know that I love you more than anything. You inspire me constantly, I couldn't possibly be more proud. I love you little sis.