I want to preface this by saying that I have been “blessed” (interpret that how you will depending on the day we’re having) with three little sisters. That makes me the oldest and best and coolest, obviously. Our house is full of women and my poor, but smart, father who knew he couldn’t win against us all and has given into the madness. This letter can only be fully appreciated when the reader understands our unique brand of chaos at my house.

Dear little sisters,

I can still remember the day you were all born. Cheesy I know, but it’s true. I remember packing up a bag to stay at Meema and Beepa’s overnight because Nonna and Papa were with mom and dad at the hospital. I remember the hideously adorable and uniquely 90’s sweatshirt mom bought me to wear that said “I’m a Big Sister!” next to a girl that had real yarn for hair (I thought that part was so cool). Mom bribed me into loving you by having “you” (aka her) give me these really awesome presents before she went into the hospital. That trick was genius because never once did I ask if we could give this new annoying baby sister back to wherever she came from.

From the first day I held you all in the hospital (under close supervision by mom and dad) I have watched you grow into the wonderful, sassy, insane girls that you are today. To be honest I take all the credit for how awesome you are because you’ve copied me since the day you came home, smart girls! Through all of the fights and tears you were my best friends growing up. No one else would ALWAYS let me be the mom while playing house or try my hideous concoctions in the kitchen (no matter how terrible the previous ones were). You made my childhood the amazing one that is was and I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world.

Every time I tell someone that I have three little sisters (yes only sisters, no boys), after they get over the initial shock of all that estrogen in one house, they all remark on how I must be a great role model for them and they must look up to me so much. This responsibility is one that I initially didn’t take seriously enough but hope that I carried out to the best of my abilities. I hope that to you I am a person that you can come to no matter what is happening, or what you think Mom and Dad will say! I have made a lot of mistakes and done so many great things in my life and hope that I can use these failures and triumphs to help you live your lives in the best way you can. I am honored that I get to forge the path for you three to follow as you grow up.

This is about to be big. Are you ready? I love you three more than Butchy. I mean it, really. We’ve all grown up listening to Mom and Nonna drone on about how they never had sisters and how they would kill to be blessed with three sisters like the four of us have. Although sometimes I really question if we got the better end of that deal (kidding) I am so grateful to have you all and to know that no matter what, I will have you all by my side for the rest of my life. I love you guys sooooo much, and can’t wait to come home and cuddle.

Love,

Madeline