To My Little Sister (and best friend):
You wrote me a crazy long letter before I left for college about how much I had taught you and how much I meant to you. So here is my response:
You have taught me how to find joy. I will never understand how you manage to laugh and smile at pretty much everything. I still don’t really understand it, but I know how nice it is to choose to laugh instead of cry. Thanks for the endless good times.
You have taught me how to be me. You walked fearlessly into high school, not worrying about the siblings that have walked the halls before you. I remember feeling like I was never enough, but you have taught me that I am. You laughed at my jokes and told me I was pretty and made me feel like a million bucks.
You taught me patience. Between helping you with math homework, and the early morning church class, you have shown me that patience is the best way to face life. It’s better to take everything one step at a time instead of trying to do everything all at once.
You taught me how to be a big sister. We both know I wasn’t the best big sister for you or our younger siblings, but once I got to spend more time with you, I learned what it meant to be the big sister. I learned what it meant to love someone and desire to protect them so fiercely.
You are my best friend. I mean that in every way. There’s not a single person I miss or want to hang out with more than you (except maybe mom). Thanks for the random texts, calls and snapchats the first week I was gone. All I want is to make sure I can come home at Christmas and pick up where we left off. Sure, things will be different. By then, four months will have passed. You’ll be almost 16. I’ll have made new friends, probably picked up on some weird Utah habits. Sorry in advance for those. But I still expect late night food runs, and crazy jam sessions.
I want you to know how much I love you. I’ve cried too many times just writing this because of how much I miss you. I wish I could fly you to Utah to go to school with me, because life is twice as fun with you around. Please know that you are always welcome to talk to me. In fact, I want you to call me. I’m trying to be the big sister and pretend that I don’t need you, and that I only answer your calls for your sake, but really it’s for me.
Remember how important you are. To me, and to everyone else. But PLEASE don’t let anyone else define you. You’re a gorgeous human being and don’t let anyone tell you any different. You can and will do everything you put your mind to. You are an incredible person, and an even better sister.
Tell me everything. Keep me involved in every detail no matter how significant.
Love forever,
Your Big Sister (and hopefully your best friend)