My sweet, sweet, baby sister,
I’m writing this to you because I want you to do well in this world. I am writing this to you because I want you to know how valuable you are. I am writing this to you because I know what it is like to be your age and I want you to know the things I didn’t. Mostly, I am writing this to you because I am afraid you don’t know how much I love you and that breaks my heart.
There are going to be mean people in your life who just want to tear you down. Do you remember the time when you were two and I told you I hated you? I know you do because you never let me forget it. I am so sorry that my words ever caused you pain (and I hope you know I love you now,) but there are people in this world you won’t be so sorry. But remember that every time someone breaks your heart, there are a million others who are waiting to piece you back together. Through these experiences, you will find your people. The ones who build you up when you are down and laugh with you when life is good; hold onto these people because there aren’t a lot of them.
The world is big. Please go see it. There is so much more out there than the little town you live in. I know right now you are in high school and your means to be a world traveler are limited, but when the day comes that you can finally break free, I hope you do. Now I’m not saying I want you to run away and never look back (you can always come home,) but the world is a vast place. Go find places that look nothing like Arizona and meet people who didn’t get to grow up with the privileges you did, because it will make you a better person. The drive from our house to Disneyland does not count as traveling.
You are beautiful, but you are also smart. I stalk you all the time on Instagram. I know that every time you post a selfie there are at least 10 comments singing praises of your beauty (I might even brag to my friends about how gorgeous you are.) But sweet, sweet, baby sister, please don’t forget that you are so much more than just a pretty face. Your mind is full of so many brilliant ideas. Don’t let the world convince you that you should give up your strong will for a pretty face or your wit for more Instagram followers. Please don’t believe you have to delete your memories, or your selfies because you got less than 100 likes on them.
You are so much more privileged than you realize. You get almost everything you want in only because you have parents that are willing to work hard and sacrifice everything for you. It breaks Mom and Dad’s hearts that they can’t give you everything you want in the world. The next time they tell you they can’t buy you a new pair of Nike’s or that laptop you’ve been wanting, remember all the times they bought you new clothes or took you on a trip to Six Flags instead of buying themselves something that they probably deserve.
I am always here for you. You are one of the bravest people I know. You have a determination that can’t be defeated and I am fully convinced that you will run the world someday. But even the strongest people fall sometimes and I promise I will always be there to help you up when you do.
I love you to the moon and back, my sweet, sweet, baby sister and I will always be on your side. Cross my heart.
