I will not say that there has never been a moment where I wanted to rip your hair out or put worms in your pillow case because I would be lying. I am sure that we have all been there at some point, you planning my demise while simultaneously trying to avoid the wrath of our mother. It's what sisters do, they fight, try to kill someone, and then ask to practice their makeup skills on each other. We have seen each other at our best and our worsts and we have hated and loved one another all our lives, but to be honest, I don't know where I would be without you.

Now, as adults, I know we are not the closest of people, and I'm okay with that. We each have our own lives that we are living, trying to do our best and to survive. I know that you have had hard times, believe me, and I may not have been as involved as I could have. Between work, school, and kids I know how crazy your lives can be. You have handled it beautifully though, with a grace that is hard to learn. You are raising my beautiful nieces to be productive human beings, who will be beyond what any of us could ever imagine. They will be apologetically independent and unbelievably strong women that I am, and will forever be, proud to call my nieces. You are going to school to further yourself, to learn new skills to give yourself a better life without relying on anyone else, and you are exceptionally brave.

Both of you have grown into beautiful women who are intelligent and strong beyond their years. You have been role models to me in ways that you simply cannot understand. I have seen you go through the phases of your lives with a courage that few possess, and along the way I have been watching by the sidelines silently, cheering you on the entire journey. I knew when you stumbled, when you failed, and when you won. Nevertheless, you have persisted through it all, and I could not be prouder.

You are my sisters, the ones who helped me learn, who protected me, and who have never left me. We have been together all our lives, fighting and loving one another the entire way. Even now when we live so far away from each other I know that if I needed anything you would do whatever is in your power to help me, and I sincerely hope that you know I would do the same for you. I may not approve of every decision you make or every judgment you pass, but regardless I will always love you. You are my sisters, my first friends, and the reason I am who I am today. Thank you for being you, and please never give up on yourselves because you are stronger than you know.