I look up to my younger sister, both literally and figuratively. She towers over me at 5 feet 11 inches tall, has dirty blonde hair, a smile that lights up any room, a personality bigger than this world, and a heart of gold.

She may be two years younger than me but she is more mature, grounded, and stronger than I ever was at nineteen. Not only is Lauren my sister but she always has the title of best friend. In the past, I hadn’t always realized how lucky I was to have a person like her in my life.

Despite the challenges and struggles she has faced, she has yet to falter and continues to “stand tall.” Recently, she endured a four-hour surgery for an injury that had been causing her pain for months. I never once heard her say, “I can’t do this” or “I am scared.” I know she had to be scared and overwhelmed, but true to her character, she took it minute by minute and continued to smile. The hardest part about her surgery for me was not being there for her. All I could remember was all the time she spent with me in the hospital, visiting me at residential treatment, and driving to multiple doctor appointments on a weekly basis. Lauren stuck by my side through it all. Not being able to return the favor was emotionally taxing. I contemplated hopping on an airplane and catching a taxi more than once. The surgery reminded me of how far away I am from home and my family.

I am constantly reminded how lucky I truly am. I have a person that will stand by me no matter what, who accepts me for who I am, always puts a smile on my face, and conquers the world one step at time.

Lauren may steal my clothes, try to take shotgun away from me, and eat the last ice pop on more than one occasion, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Lauren, thank you for being my little sister and best friend all wrapped into one. Thank you for showing me that any obstacle can be overcome with a little perseverance and determination. From late night phone calls to hour-long facetime, or random text messages, you make this world worth living in. I would be lost without you. We may be separated by thousands of miles, but I feel you with me all the time.

I hope that everyone has a special person in their life as amazing and caring as my sister, Lauren. Whether that person be found in a spouse, sibling, friend, family member, or community member. This world can be a scary and horrible place sometimes, but with people in your corner and by your side, conquering it doesn’t seem quite as hard anymore.