To My Big Sister,

We all knew hat this day would come eventually, but I guess that now that it’s actually happening, it doesn’t seem real. By the time when you read this sis, you’ll already be gone, 12 hours away in the blazing southern sun. I thought about how difficult it is to write this, not because I’m sad, but because I haven’t really wrapped my mind around you leaving. I can’t really picture you not being able to come by the house and hang out with me. I don’t understand how you won’t be home on the weekends to visit our parents. It’s strange because you’re leaving in a few hours as I write this, but I simply don’t feel the distance settling in.

You’re the big sister. You’re always there for everyone. You’re a nurse and you are literally taking care of everyone around you. For the past 19 years, you’ve taken care of me. I tell you everything and I think that you tell me everything too. We trust each other. You and me are like partners in crime. After all of the crap that we’ve both been through in our lives, some of which I wish that we didn’t have to face, we are here now and stronger than ever.

I know that I’m the youngest, but I feel like I watched you grow up too. I know that your whole life has been a challenge. You were the one who, at a young age, took on a lot of responsibility. You were the one who we all turned to when we faced a problem and you didn’t let us down, either. However, as people do, we make mistakes and it took a while for you to learn from yours. You came out of your situation as a new woman and you changed your world. I never thought that I’d see you as happy as you are now. I am so proud of you because you deserve this happiness. God knows that you’ve earned it.

So, you are ready to leave this small nest and head out to the next big city. I know that you’ll be amazing. I know that you are nervous and that maybe it’ll take a while to adjust to this whole new life, but you are capable of doing it all. You are one of the bravest, smartest, and kindest people who I know and I am truly blessed to have you as my sister.

I’ll tell you once more how it hasn’t sunk in that you’re leaving and I’m not certain what will happen when you walk out that door, but I know two things for sure. One, Mom is definitely going to cry. Two, so will I.

This house will be emptier without you in it and I can say the same thing about myself. We always talked about leaving, moving on to greater and better things. We said that we’d go travel the world and get out as soon as we can, so you’re doing it. I guess that I always thought that we’d do it together, but, of course, that’s not how it works and I’m happy that it doesn’t. I mean, someone’s got to be here for mom and dad!

Just know that I’ll miss you more than I realize at this moment and I can’t wait to see you again. You are my big sister, my running partner, life coach, and best friend. So, go get them down there, because I know that they’ll love you just as much as I do.

Your baby sister,

Jackie