To my sweet, compassionate, funny, daring, genuine, amazing baby sister... I am so proud of you.

I have watched you grow your entire life. From the time you fell in the pool in your high chair to walking the stage as a Summa Cum Laude at graduation, I have been here watching you, supporting you, loving you every moment.

In grade school, you were my favorite playmate. Countless mud parties, endless dress-up days and "High School Musical" movie marathons are just a few of the many memories that make up a wonderful childhood we shared together. We could be anywhere doing anything and have an absolute ball. These memories will forever be in my heart and will always mean the world to me.

Then came middle school. This was a time full of awkward encounters, way too many "firsts" and every night sleepover parties where sleep was the last thing on our minds. I knew you looked up to me so much and even if you didn't know it, I tried so hard to always steer you in the right direction and be half the role model you saw me as. Your admiration meant so much more to me than you will ever know.

And finally, there was high school. I remember your first day at the huge public school we went to and how nervous you were about making friends. Then that nervousness was quickly replaced with ease and comfort as I knew it would be, and I watched you blossom into an amazing young women right before my eyes. You grew into the most beautiful, smart and loving person I have ever met.

Through all of these phases in your life, I have been there with you, watching you grow as a person, holding your hand through all of the tough moments and sharing your joy in all of the happy times.

But now I cannot be there. I cannot be your shoulder to cry on when your heart feels like its broken beyond repair. I cannot go into over-protective-mom-mode like I used to when girls were mean to you on the soccer field. I cannot be there to just give you a hug when you've had a tough day and need your big sister. And the thought of this absolutely kills me.

But then I stop and think... I think of those hilariously fun times we had as kids and remember how your joy radiates throughout a room, and I know you will make so many new friends to share your joy with. I think back to all of those uncomfortable moments in middle school that we went through together, and I know you will be the most amazing friend to all of the people you will meet along your journey. I think of the confidence, courage, and genuine compassion you developed all throughout high school, and I just know without a doubt that you will become the most amazing leader at the Air Force Academy and will go on to do beyond incredible things in your life.

I know all of these things because I have been here with you your whole life. I have seen what you are capable of and witnessed first hand the strength you have shown through unimaginable heartbreak and pain.

Even though you are my little sister, you have taught me so many big things about what it means to truly be a good person, how to persevere with grace and how to just laugh and appreciate all of the blessings in life.

So I know this journey is gong to be scarier, harder and more stressful than any other experience you have ever had. But I know in my heart it will be more rewarding in more ways than you could possibly imagine.

I will always be here for you. You will always be my baby sister. I love you more than you know, and I am more proud of you than I can put into words. You are going to lead an amazing life, and this is just the beginning. I can't wait to be with you along the way and see all of the amazing things you do.

You're going to be great, I just know it. I love you, always.