“When someone else’s happiness is your happiness, that is love.” - Lana Del Rey
On this exact day 21 years ago, you were born, thus changing the course of so many lives forever. On this day, you became the first-born of two people who were incredibly in love. On this day, in contrast to the summer which was quickly drawing to a close, your life was rapidly unfolding. On this day, you celebrate your birthday and it is on this day I wish to tell you how unbelievably amazing you are.
Of all the people I have met, all the characters I have read about, and of every person I have yet to see, I admire you far more than any of them. I admire the kindness and gentle nature I see when you play with children. I admire the understanding and caring tone you take when talking to the homeless. You win respect from friends and strangers, alike, with the air of humble authority your whole being seems to radiate. I admire your intelligence and aptitude for connecting with other people. The way you love and follow Jesus on the most ordinary of days makes me extremely proud to call you my sister. You are always striving to do more and be more. With your servant's heart, you never cease to willingly lend a helping hand. It is inspiring to watch you live and connect with the world around you. You make me a better person. You taught me how to think about others before myself and to be kind to those who may not be kind to me. I have loved you since the first moment you held me in your arms, even if as you held me, you asked our mom, “Mommy, when is she going to her house?”
I love everything that makes you so distinctly you. I love your passion for all things kind, adventurous, and new. The love you have for your family, your friends, and your faith is evident in every aspect of your life. Your keenness for good music, movies, and books is unmatched. There is absolutely no one else like you. Despite your bold uniqueness, I can happily and assuredly say that we are very different sides of the same exact coin. I love how much we are oddly alike, but also how much we are both obviously dissimilar. I cannot imagine having anyone else to look up to growing up. Even now, you continually bring so much joy and encouragement to my life. I don’t think I will ever get tired of our spontaneous adventures, nor will the quiet moments we have together ever become boring.
The resounding theme of our relationship is what I believe, even since the beginning, has brought us so close: love. You know as well as I do that our family is made and built upon the solid foundation of love. Some people say it is simply the narrow age-gap between us that is the root of our closeness, but I have to disagree. I cannot imagine my life without having you as my older sister. You are so smart and so, so loving and ridiculously talented. I cannot tell you what an honor it is to hear you tell me you are proud of me. You aren’t just my sister; you’re my best friend. And I mean that truly and whole-heartedly. No one will ever hold the position you do in my life. In every situation, good or bad, beautiful or ugly, you are the first person I want to turn to.
When I’m not okay, you are the first to notice. You have always been there for me and loved me unconditionally, and for that, I am forever grateful. The advice you always give me without complaint or condemnation isn’t just advice, it is spiritual wisdom. No matter what happens, I can count on your loyalty and love. You show me as well as others daily how and what it is like to have a relationship with the Lord. You have made this world an even more beautiful place and have made living such an exciting adventure. Thank you for supporting me, even in my craziest dreams, and never losing hope in me.
We come from an amazing family, with parents that have always made our friends jealous. You’re the most beautiful, forgiving, kind-hearted, and genuine person I have ever met. You bring a light to this family whenever you’re around, and the world would lack in beauty if it lost you. You deserve every adventure, every opportunity, and all the happiness this life has to offer. More than anything I just want you to know that you are more wonderful than you could ever know. Thank you for loving me and teaching me how to love myself. But, most of all, thank you for being everything that you are and for being the greatest sister and friend I have ever known. God really knew what I needed when he blessed my life with you.
And even though it is your birthday, you are still my greatest gift.
