Dear little sister,

Day One. I’ll never forget seeing you in the hospital with Mom. Your tiny little self, wrapped up in her arms, face still red and eyes still closed. Okay, so maybe I don’t remember that much. But I do remember the cookie basket. That sugar cookie duck was probably the best cookie I’d ever had. Despite how good the cookie was, you were still the best part of that day. It was the day my best friend came into the world. It was the first time I laid eyes on the one person who would have such a huge impact on my life, though my 5-year-old self couldn’t fathom how much I could really love you.

Three. We grew up, just a little, and we moved to our new house. You were my first best friend in the little town we soon called home. We’d play together every night and day, and giggle until mom told us to shut up and go to bed. Unfortunately for her, our giggles only grew louder as we grew up, and our bedtime moved from 8 P.M. until whenever we felt tired enough to pass out. From playing with our dog, to playing house, to harassing our cat and yelling at cute boys in the mall, we always have had the best of times. You’re still growing up, but I feel trapped in time.

Years rush by and you’re 14. You’re entering high school and I’m extremely happy, yet tears dwell in my eyes for a plethora of reasons. Boys will come and go; friends too. You’ll love and you’ll lose, but I’ll always be there for you. Skype, Snapchat; only one phone call away, I’ll be there for you any night or day. You’ll dance from dusk till dawn at your very first homecoming, and I just hope to the gods above that you don’t meet some cute boy who breaks your heart because that means I might have to break his face. Just kidding, please don’t get me arrested. But do know that I can rush home (in approximately two hours if I push it) and we can get chocolate and sappy movies and cry together watching "My Sister’s Keeper."

14 and you’ll think high school is either the best time of your life, or maybe the worst. You might fail some classes. Okay, no, don’t fail in high school. But things will be harder, both in the academic and social worlds. Either way, I’m there for you for late night study sessions and exam tips, ranting about your friend drama and strict teachers.

Fourteen, and I still love you like it’s day one. Maybe even more. Not only are you my sister, but you’re my best friend. And whether life turns for the better or worse, I’ll be there for you like a skid-mark; you may not want me all the time, but I’ll never leave you (sorry for the poop reference, it’s a sister thing).

Little sister, I hope you know that no matter what happens, no matter where you go, I will always be one dial away.

I love you more than you can imagine,

Your older sister