As move in day approaches I realize how hard it is going to be to say goodbye to my best friend. I don't mean the best friend that I have been with since elementary school or the close bonds that I made in high school, but the person who I have known for her whole life: my little sister.

To my younger sister:

It has been a crazy 15 years with you by my side. You have been such a joy to be around, always providing laughs and smiles, filling a room with your incredible energy the moment you step into it. You are always smiling and laughing, cracking jokes, and making others happy no matter what the situation is and what is happening. I will never understand how you manage to laugh at everything, and almost never cry (this coming from the sister who cries over dogs), however it is truly amazing, that personality of yours. I will miss hearing the strange names that you assign to everyone and your laughter as it fills my heart.

Although you really haven't had much of a choice, as we are sisters, and you kind of have to deal with me, I am glad you have stuck by my side. You could have chosen to ignore me and hate me, but you are now my best friend. Growing up we fought a lot but what siblings don't? Although I am secretly glad we grew out of that fighting and don't try to rip one another's heads off anymore. You are now glued to my side and honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way. Many older sisters really wouldn't want their younger sister attached to their hip, but that is exactly where I want you. I hardly do anything without you because it just doesn't feel right. Going away to school without you is going to be a major adjustment.

Thank you for everything. Even though you are younger, you often are looking out for me just as much as I am looking out for you. For that, I am always grateful. You are always there for me whenever I need anything. You might complain a bit before coming to my rescue, but you are always there. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. I know chorus concerts and school musicals are not your favorite leisure activity, but sticking it out for me means more than anything. Thank you for attending football games to see the band halftime show; even on the coldest fall nights, you were in the stands.

I want to remind you of how incredibly proud I am of you. I know I don't say it often but I am. You are such an incredible athlete, and even through injuries, you persevered through your first season. You amaze every time you get out on that track and do things that I never could imagine doing. You are such a talented photographer and I can't wait to see where this talent takes you. Finally, you are brilliant. You are intelligent. You are smart. Never doubt yourself. Ever. If you ever begin to do so, know that I will be here ready to pick you back up and remind you how proud of you I am.

Finally, always remember that I love you. Remember that I am always here for you. Remember that you will always be my little sister, and no matter how old you get, you will always be the same little girl who became my best friend when I was three years old. It doesn't matter where either of us end up as we grow up, I will always be here for you.

You will always be my little sister and my best friend.

Love you forever.