Dear Little Sister,

Out of all the goodbyes I've had to say as I ready for the next big step in my life, this by far is the hardest.

Since the day you were born I've been by your side, watching you and protecting you. I was there when you took your first steps, there when you first learned to ride a bike, there when you first began school. I was there to patch up your scrapes, there to check your closet for monsters, and there to get you out of any and all trouble. I was always there, even when we fought like cats and dogs, I was there.

And you, in return, have always been there for me. You were there to wipe my tears after every broken heart, you were there to make me laugh when life seemed to be too hard, and you were there to hug me whenever I felt as though I had no one else in the world.

We're sisters, but we're so much more than that; we're best friends.

So now, as I pack my bags and ready for college, I realize that this goodbye, our goodbye, is the most heart wrenching of them all. It's slowly dawning on me that I'll be missing out on crucial moments in your life, such as your first prom or passing your drivers test. I won't be able to guard you and guide you as I once had. You'll grow up, and I won't be there to see it.

Sure, we can text and call, and we'll always have break to catch up, but you and I both know how different it's going to be, and as much as it pains us both, it's inevitable.

Little Sister, before I go I want you to know that I'm going to miss you more than anything, more than my friends, more than our parents, even more than having a room all to myself. I'm going to miss your laughter, your jokes, your words of encouragement and your sarcastic teases. I can't imagine life without spilling all my secrets to you, arguing over irrelevant issues with you, and everything in between. I love you more than words can describe, and leaving you is the toughest thing I've ever had to do.

Little Sister, please remember all that I have taught you throughout the years. I won't be there to protect you anymore, you're on your own now. Take my advice and my suggestions, learn from my mistakes so you don't have to make them. I can no longer be your crutch when life knocks you down, so you have to learn to stand strong even when I'm not around. Focus on what matters in life, and don't lose sight of your priorities. I want you to make me proud when I'm not there.

And finally, Little Sister, I want to thank you for everything. Thank you for always believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you for standing by my side through the best and worst of times. Thank you for always loving me relentlessly even when I didn't deserve it. Thank you for teaching me patience, and kindness, and leadership. But most importantly, thank you for all the years we've spent together. I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for you. Thank you.

I'll see you soon, little sister, I promise

Love,

Your Big Sister