To My Little Sister,

It feels like just yesterday we were playing with our Polly Pockets for hours and spending our days watching Hannah Montana marathons. I remember constantly taking care of our Nintendogs and playing Barbies when I came home from school (because you always waited for me and never wanted to play with mom). We would set up our Littlest Pet Shop toys for the longest time, only to decide minutes later we didn't want to play anymore. Somehow, we suddenly went from making decisions about what toys to play with to what college to attend. Where did the time go?

It's so weird to sit down and actually think about how you are halfway done with your senior year of high school. It feels surreal every time I walk in to find you applying to a college or looking at prom dresses, especially since I can still clearly remember doing those things myself. It's even weirder when you talk to me about senior trips or your after prom plans because in my mind, you are still the little sister who waited for me to come home to play Barbies. Time has passed so quickly and all I can do is be thankful for the years of special memories we created.

Having to make huge decisions about your future is incredibly stressful and daunting, but I've watched you handle it with such maturity and elegance. As I know you've learned, things won't always be easy, but you have proved you have the ability to tackle any issue life may throw at you with a smile on your face. I have had the privilege of watching you grow into the young woman every girl wants as not only a sister, but a best friend as well. I don't think I can accurately express in words how proud I am of the young woman you have become and the person you are. You are so beautiful both inside and out. You embody everything that is good in this world - kindness, compassion and integrity. Having you as a best friend is truly the best gift I could ever ask for.

As time continues to fly, life will continue to be full of difficult decisions we will have to make, but I am extremely grateful I will have you by my side through them all. I love you so much and I cannot wait to continue to support you and offer you my best advice. It's absolutely crazy how grown up you are and how old you're getting, but whether you're in high school, college, or married with two kids, always remember this: no matter how old you get, you will always be my little sister.