You have just turned 15, which is absolutely crazy to me. I have to look up to you now that you are a high schooler. Just, wow. I feel like yesterday you were so much smaller. Asking me to help you straighten your hair. Or begging me to take you for ice cream on a Saturday night.

I know that I have had to be more than a sister sometimes. Acting as mom when things weren't the best, or when our mom was sick. But I never minded taking care of you. Because being your big sister is my favorite job. Snuggled on the couch watching Ghost Adventures or taking late night walks with the dogs so we can talk about life. You have never been afraid to tell me what you need to and I am so glad that you are confident enough in me to share.

This world is harsh. You are going to meet people who want to deliberately tear you down and dull your radiance. And they will. I have met those people and they have brought me down. But you, even now, are so strong and so full of kindness that those people won't be able to keep you on their level for long. You have a grace that some of us will never have. Don't ever forget that.

Like me, you have a mothering quality that draws people to you. They want to tell you their secrets and bask in the glow that your particular type of confidence gives off. Let them come to you and make sure you love them. They may not stay in your life for long but they will leave hand-prints on your heart and you will leave a lingering smile on their face. It brings a certain kind of fulfillment to love everyone just a little bit.

When the time comes for bigger steps in your life, please don't be afraid to come to me. Whether it's for help, a hug, or to cry on my shoulder I will be here. I will do everything I can to help you whenever you need me. I will be by your side as long as I am able. When you want to talk, I'll be here. No matter what.

I know that a day will come when you are fully grown and don't need someone to babysit you anymore. When you no longer have questions because you know the answers. And I will try to understand. But being your sissy has been the best part of my life these past 15 years and watching you grow up has been such a crazy ride. I hope that you can still find the time for sister stuff when those days finally come. Because I know that I will miss them.

Don't be afraid to do those things that make you happy. I know that it is scary to step outside the norms that we have been taught and raised in. You are already breaking out of those walls. Keep doing it. Shoot for those distant stars. I have every confidence in you that you can make it.

You are already becoming an amazing young woman. Strong and wonderful. Stunningly beautiful and kind. You are SO SMART and so full of love. I am so insanely proud that you are my kid sister. No matter how grown up you are, you will always be my munchkin. Even if you are taller than I am.

I will be standing in the crowd with mom yelling "WE LOVE YOU AVERIE" for the rest of forever.