A sister is a forever friend. She's that person that you want to kill every five seconds whenever she comes into your room because she wants to play a game or borrow your clothes. She's that person that, if you needed to hide a body, you knew you could count on her to help you through it. She's that person that you know always has your back no matter how many fights you get into. A sister is family; a sister is a friend; a sister is like a long lost soulmate.
1. How to be responsible.
I was an only child up until I was 10 years old, and to be completely honest, I was spoiled rotten. When I first learned I was going to have a baby sister, I was not exactly the happiest camper. I thought, "Oh no, this means I'm going to have to share my toys, share my parents, etc." As soon as I saw my little sister, I knew none of that mattered anymore. She gave me responsibility. She gave me a reason to learn to share and learn I cannot always get what I want.
2. How to be caring.
I was a sassy baby. I can admit to that. I did not like to share anything—my food, my toys, my parents, anything. In preschool, if a child asked to borrow my crayons I would say, "No way," and continue coloring as if nothing had happened. It did not matter to me what other kids thought, it was all about me. I was my parents only child so I got all the attention so I thought I deserved everyone's attention. When my sister came along, I had to learn how to care about other people's feelings, and it really affected how I cared not only about my own sister, but everyone else as well.
3. How to be a hero.
The moment my sister was born I was no longer just living for myself, I was living for her. I had to be the best me I could be. I had to be her hero. I had to push myself harder so that I could prove to her that not all heroes wear capes.
4. How to be protective.
My sister is unfortunately reaching the point in her life where she's starting to like boys (oh no). Going through heartache and heartbreak myself, I know how cruel it can be when the boy you like does not like you back anymore. I know the experiences I have gone through, and I would do anything so that my little sister does not have to go through that same process. My sister also plays sports. I love going to her games and cheering her on, but as soon as another child goes up and tried to elbow her or push her, I become the most defensive person in the whole world. Sometimes I have to stop myself from actually standing up and running over to her. I am protective of her in every way, whether it be a little boy breaking her heart or her getting hurt during a soccer match.
5. How to be the person you want to be.
I thought I had life all planned out—what I wanted to do, who I wanted to be. Life changes when you have to adapt to a little sister. She helped me discover who I am. I decided I wanted to become a teacher because I wanted to help other children the way I was able to help my sister learn and grow through life. She affects me every day, whether here with me or miles away. Most of my decisions in life I make with her in mind. "Would she like this decision? Would she support it? Would I make her proud?"
My sister is my best friend. Regardless of the age gap between us, I would not want it any other way.
