Dear sister,
Okay, so you’re no longer a baby anymore. In fact, you’ve grown into a kind, funny, smart, beautiful woman.
When we were little and would get into petty fights like sisters do, mom would roll her eyes and tell us over and over again: “You two are all each other have.”
That wouldn’t stop you from doing things to get on my nerves and me from getting impatient and angry. And again, mom would say things like: “One day, dad and I won’t be around anymore… You two are all each other have.”
Back then, I would never have thought that you, my little sister, would be the person I go to for comfort, laughter, advice, and most importantly, the perfect Instagram caption. You got to watch me make all of my mistakes, and you got to learn from them. You used to want to be just like me, but instead, thankfully, you are completely and uniquely yourself.
The three years that separate us blessed us with the opportunity to experience all sorts of things together. To my friends, you were once just my little sister, but as the years went by, you quickly became their friend too. There were proms, Friday night football games, and movie nights galore. I would keep you out way too late, just driving around talking and laughing.
I had the opportunity to be your teammate and your classmate, always learning from you and watching you grow. Before our own eyes, we turned into the best friends we always searched for but never could find. No other friend could be like you. Other friendships will come and go, but our bond is one that will always remain.
I used to get mad when you copied what I was doing or what I was wearing; people would say it was because you looked up to me. As we’ve grown older I’ve realized that I’m really the one that looks up to you. In all honesty, you are by far the best thing that has ever happened to me. (After you were born, I may have asked when mom and dad were sending you back, but hey, that’s in the past.) You’ve shown me what it’s like to love someone so fiercely and so unconditionally. The pride I feel when you succeed at something, the hurt I feel when you experience disappointment… all of that has taught me what it feels like to be eternally connected with someone else.
It wasn’t until I didn’t get to see you every day that I truly realized how fortunate I am to have you. Someone who loves me even if I steal her clothes without asking. Even though I’m supposed to be the big sister, I’ll come to you when the world isn’t fair or when I need a shoulder to cry on. And, even though I’m almost 20 years old, I’m not ashamed to admit I’ll still crawl into your bed when I can’t sleep. Sister, I am so proud of the person you are. Keep continuing to live without apology and always, always remember that I am only just a phone call away.
So here’s to you, baby sis. Forever my soulmate, adventure buddy and lifelong best friend.
