“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.” -Unknown

Little sis,

I always wanted a little sister to look after, and luckily, God gave me you. Growing up with you was a truly unique experience. Whether we were cheating at conditioning during gymnastics practice as juveniles or getting lectured for roaming the halls as teenagers, you were always right by my side. Through the good and the bad, you were right next to me as my little sidekick. From having the honor of looking after you, I learned a thing or two I want to pass onto you.

Stay Humble.

No matter where life takes you, always stay humble. You’re going to go out into the world and do some amazing things, that I don’t doubt. Don’t forget where you came from and how you got there. No matter how successful you are at making the world a better place, never allow your head to get bigger than your heart.

Stay Weird.

Between your oddball thoughts and perfect use of gifs, you never fail to put a smile on your company’s face through your unique sense of humor. Some may call you unusual or odd, but don’t conform. Your random texts and tags can change any of my bad days for the better, a trait most people would kill to have, yet, it comes so naturally to you. Be the quirky girl you are for the rest of your days.

Stay Beautiful.

Inside and out. Your beauty on the outside is so evident, just look at your dazzling smile or huge doe eyes. More evident though is your beautiful soul. You’re incapable of greed or cruelty, please never obtain those abilities. Being a pretty face will only get you so far, but being beautiful on the inside as well will get you exactly where you want to go. Your heart is as big as your smile, never let either fade.

Stay Little.

Your youthful personality is what makes you, you. Cherish it and carry it with you for the rest of your life. Continue to want a marshmallow gun and to aspire to be like Ellen in her dancing videos. Eat all the fun-shaped mac and cheese you can, and carry a blanket around with you everywhere you go like it’s the latest fashion trend. Never let your childish light fade out.

Having you as my little sis is easily the most rewarding aspect of my life. I’ve gotten the privilege of seeing you grow into an amazing young lady and achieve just the first few of your dreams. You’re going to continue to dazzle the world and do some amazing things for everyone you encounter.

No matter where life ends up taking us, you’ll always be my mini me, my nugget, but most importantly, my family.

Love you to the moon and back