Dear Little Sister,
You’re 12 years old now and only two inches shorter than I am. You don’t bug me to hang out with you anymore because your friends are suddenly cooler than your big sister. You’re wearing my clothes, asking me questions about makeup, and watching Netflix more than I do…
I miss the annoying little sister who never used to leave me alone. I would yell at you to get out of my room, and now I’m wishing for the opposite. I just want you to know that no matter how much you grow up, you’ll always be my best friend.
I know middle school isn’t easy. There is boy drama, girl drama, and lots of homework. I’m going to tell you the truth, it’s only going to get worse in the next few years. But you are going to get through it, and I will be here for you no matter what. Whether I’m at home or at college, I want you to talk to me. Tell me about your day, complain to me about those annoying teachers (I had them too), and when you have a crush on a boy, I better be the first to know.
I am so proud of you, little sister. When you score a shot in basketball, a run in softball, or an A on a science test, I will be the loudest one cheering. And guess what? When you miss a shot, strike out, or get a C on a math test, I will still be cheering. I am proud of all that you do.
I will always remember holding you for the first time. I felt like the luckiest big sister on the planet. Although we’ve had our disagreements, I wouldn’t trade our sisterhood for the world. We’ve made so many wonderful memories together. Between riding in the truck for thousands of miles on our family road trip, screaming together on roller coasters at Six Flags, cheering on the Red Sox and Celtics, swimming in the freezing cold ocean, and belting the words to One Direction… I have cherished every moment I spend with you.
Many people seem to think that we’re opposites. I was a calm and quiet little kid, you were energetic. I’m chipper in the morning; you’re a night owl. I always did my homework without being asked, and Mom has to ask you to do yours over and over again.
But we are similar in more ways than I can count. Not only do you look just like me (red hair, braces, and glasses), but you also love to play basketball, you get mad at yourself when you do something wrong, and you can’t stand math. You make the same facial expressions I do, you worry too much about what other people think, and you give Mom a hard time about almost everything. You are a mini me.
I know I’ve always acted like a mother hen and I hope it doesn’t drive you too crazy. When I tell you to drink plenty of water, not talk with food in your mouth, and put sunscreen on, I just want to be sure that you’re happy and healthy. Of course Mom can tell you the same things, but I know you don’t like to listen to her. So I hope you’ll trust that I know what I’m talking about.
Since the time you learned to talk you’ve been calling me Sissy. I’ve started to wonder if you’ll ever grow out of it. I love hearing you call me that, because it reminds me of the little 2-year-old who was chasing me around 10 years ago.
I look forward to seeing you in high school sports, prom, graduation, and all of the other great things you’ll accomplish. I don’t want to rush it, but just know that no matter where life takes us, I’ll always be your biggest cheerleader. One day you’ll be the maid of honor at my wedding (and hopefully I’ll be yours too). We will raise our own little girls together and grow old and crazy. I love you forever, my not-so-little sister. Thank you for being you.
xoxo,
Sissy
