Dear Sister,

For a while I felt as though I was someone who was not lucky enough to have found a best friend, someone I would never have to ask if they are “going to be there”. Someone I can be honest with, whether it is telling them a secret about myself or telling them how much they are “wrong” about something without them being soooo offended. Someone I can share countless memories with and spend all night reminiscing. Someone who will join me on adventures, take care of me when I am sick, depressed, angry, or all of the above. Someone who will support me in everything I set my mind to. Someone who is selfless and will never leave me “high and dry” when I need them the most. But being in college and finding myself on a daily basis, I have come to realize, I have had this person in my life since the day I was conceived. Many times I have asked myself, “what/who is a best friend,” and recently, I was finally able to answer “a sister, my sister.”

Sorry to be so cliché, but you are my best friend. See, the thing is, having you as my sister means that I get the best of both worlds. For 19 years you have performed “sister duties.” You have not missed a beat, being there for every emotional and important moment I have experienced in my life so far. Basketball games, volleyball games, cheer events, dance recitals, homecomings, prom, graduation, and one of my favorites - my first date. Helping me get ready at your job while you were working is a moment I will never forget. It showed that you were not letting anything get in the way of such a “special” moment for me and the opportunity for you to be a part of that moment.

Our mother taught us the value of love, which taught me that love is not defined by a title, but rather who will always be there through the highest and the lowest parts of my life; through every bad decision I make. You are not my best friend because you are my sister, you are my best friend because of what you have done. Countless times you have proven that you will always be here, loving and supporting me. Many people, especially young adults, yearn for love and support even from their siblings/family. I have counted my blessings and you are one. Although I am 19 years old, I have been through enough in my life to distinguish between someone who loves me and someone who is just there for a moment. I will always be able to say “my sister was there.” I love you!

- BUGG