My Dearest Janine,

First off, I just want to thank you for truly just being you. Never in my life have I ever seen you try to be something that you're not. You are not only my best friend, role model and sister, you are my heroine and you'll always be the first person in my life that I loved more than myself.

Lord knows that our life has been anything but easy. From overcoming domestic abuse in our childhood, to coming to terms with our parent's divorce and learning to cope with the death of our grandfathers, you have been nothing but the epitome of strength and resilience. When I think of what it means to be a strong, independent woman, you (and Mom) are the first people to come to mind.

While others our age were worried about the next party that they were going to attend, you were balancing three jobs, an internship, your positions within our sorority and juggling an 18-unit courseload. When I saw how hard you were working for your degree, it showed me that I could do the same. No matter how hard it got or how tired you were, you always persevered. You knew that being uncomfortable, stressed and exhausted would eventually be worth it when you received your degree.

Whenever I felt my faith in myself and my abilities to succeed waiver, I had you to look to. I watched as you gave 110 percent to all three of your jobs and dedicated yourself to your coursework. I watched you when Grampa passed away from pancreatic cancer and it took every ounce of your energy to get out of bed and go to class. I watched your tired eyes when you came home from work but still made time to ask me about my day.

When I look at you and see the woman you've become, I just wish that you could see the "you" that I see. You are the smartest, funniest, and the most passionate person that I know. You are the literal definition of what it means to be beautiful both inside and out. I hope that one day, I can pay you back for everything that you've done for me.

From the day that I started walking, you were always leading the way. Clearing the path of any obstacles and warning me of the potential dangers that awaited me. You were the first in our family to become the captain of a sports team and the editor-in-chief of the Yearbook. The first to attend university and finally, the first to graduate from college.

I know that it's difficult. I can't even imagine what it must have felt like to figure out everything on your own. You didn't have anyone to turn to that not only was planning on going to college, let alone graduated from a university. Because of you and the trials and obstacles that you've overcome, Jaiden and I both have that resource. If anyone is going to make it in this world, I know that it's going to be you. I'm proud of you.

All my love,

Your favorite middle sister