Growing up, I was always told to appreciate the fact that I had a sister, because one day you’d be a best friend that I would have for life. I can remember laughing every time, thinking about all the fights we shared as children. But now that we are older, and I am able to look back and see very different memories. I remember the two of us getting sent to our rooms for doing something wrong, but not wanting to be separated. We’d put our dollhouse in the middle of the hall, between our bedroom doors, and lay on the floor with just our feet inside the separate rooms. When mom would come to scold us, we’d argue about how we were technically still in our rooms. We thought we were so clever cheating the punishment system.
You might have been too young to remember this, but at the farm house we used to sit in the room we shared, and put together puzzles for hours; you loved those puzzles. I think I’m finally understanding what that phrase has always meant. A best friend is someone who sticks by your side no matter what happens. A sister is a best friend that is united by blood and stays with you through every hardship in life, because she faces them too. I am so very thankful to have experienced these 16 years with you. From being my dance partner, to my first flyer in cheerleading, to now being my roommate, thank you for teaching me the meaning of forgiveness, grace, and beauty.
In the future, I hope we continue our spontaneous Starbucks runs and crazy adventures, because these are the times that bring us closer together. I may not be much older than you, so I don’t have a whole lot of wisdom stored up, but I do know that this is just the beginning of your obstacles in life. You will be tried, pushed down, and worn out throughout these next few years as you finish high school and head off to college. Stay strong, and stick to what you know. Set standards for yourself and stop at nothing to uphold them. Continue to grow closer to the people around you, but never put them before your faith. Your relationship and walk with Christ will determine the path you are given. Yes, sometimes this is the very reason trials come to us, but stay strong and never lose faith. Trust that He will guide you and trust that I will always be there to carry you if I must. You have so greatly been blessed with creativity and you flourish in the art of painting. Take these gifts and use them to give back. Give back to Him and the people around you. Share your joy and use it as a testimony. You are already such an amazing young woman in Christ and I can’t believe that He is still building his masterpiece that is you. It is exciting to watch what He is doing in and through you.
I love you always, and I pray you never lose sight of the importance faith and family holds as you walk through life.
-Your sister, and friend for always
