There were a few years where it was just mom, dad, and I. But to be honest I don't remember those years because they've been outweighed by all of the years with you in my life.

I can't begin to understand what it's like to be the younger sibling, and I never will. Just as you've never been in my shoes. But let me share with you what I do know.

I know that you have helped to shape my life and push me to be a better person, even if you didn't know you were doing it. As the eldest a lot of responsibility was put on me to watch out for you and take care of you, to show you the ropes. Any time we got into trouble I was always scolded with, "You're the oldest, you should know better."

I know there are days where you've driven me to my wits end. Being the oldest I did have to "babysit" you when we stayed home alone. I had to cook for you, make sure you stayed out of trouble, or get you to bed if it was late. You helped me to really learn how to be responsible, because if anything would've happened to you in my care I would driven myself to my wits end.

I know that I watched you make some of the same mistakes I did. And I watched you make mistakes that I didn't, and get away with it. And my goodness was that irritating. So sometimes I may have taken it out on you by making you do my chores because "Mom told me to tell you to do it."

I know that I can't picture my life without you. Not that it was my choice for you to be in it. But sometimes we don't talk for weeks at a time and then we call each other out of the blue and it's like we just saw one another yesterday.

I know that I love when you call me for advice or help, even now that we're older. I hope you know that I will always be there for you, in any way that I can.

My point is that I know I love being your older sister, and I love you and I will always love you. And I wouldn't trade being the oldest for anything in the world.