Dear best cousin in the world,

As your 20th birthday approaches, I can't help but feel nostalgic for all our memories as kids. Although we used to live 165 miles away (and now 658), the distance hasn't come between us. From the time you were born, only two months after me, we haven't stopped giggling. Whether it was when we were playing mermaids in the pool at age 8, gathering Easter eggs with the family at age 6, vacationing at the Jersey Shore for seven years or being my senior prom date when I didn't have one, we have countless memories to share.

I still remember waking up early to sneak downstairs and play Barbies with you when you visited and how we danced the night away at my sister's sweet 16. I laugh when I think of how many times you have kicked me while sleeping and I cherish how much fun we had jumping waves at the beach. We've had 20 years of good times and the best years are still yet to come.

We've been through so much together, and knowing that you have my back makes everything a little easier. I'll always be around for you when life pushes you down because you're not just my cousin, you're a sister to me. Our friendship runs deeper than just being blood relatives. You get me and I know you better than you think I do. You're kind, hilarious and fashionable. You work hard at everything you do and wear your heart on your sleeve. I admire that so much about you. You're obsession with phone cases, cupcakes and sparkly things makes you unique and so easy to shop for.

We haven't seen each other in more than a year (16 months to be exact), though we talk pretty much every day and when we finally do get to see each other next month I know in my heart it'll be like we never left. We constantly plan our future such as taking our own family to the shore to vacation and being each other's maid of honor at our weddings. Thank you for being you, never judging and always offering advice. I love our relationship and I love you.

Happy 20th birthday, and I can't wait to see what the next decades bring for us.

Love,

Your favorite cousin