Dear Little Sister,
You are about four inches taller than I am and you look far older than 17, but that does not change the fact that you are my little sister. For the past two months, you have lived with me and experienced life away from Momma for the very first time. It has been one of the best summers I have ever had, and I am glad that I was able to spend it by your side.
Last week, you had your 17th birthday, and I felt a rush of emotions on that day (which was odd, being that it was your day). First off, I felt old. I remember being five years old and running outside with you in the rain while getting scolded by Granny. I also remember seeing you for the first time. It was probably the coolest day of my life even up to today, and trust me, I have had some pretty cool days. Between memories of wearing a t-shirt that said "I'm the Big Sister" and getting a crown from Burger King, the best memory of the entire day was seeing you. You were sleeping, and you were wrapped in a blanket. I thought you were so giant, but looking back on pictures, you were just a tiny little thing. Mom carefully put you in my arms, and I just remember staring at you. I did not know it at the time, but at that moment, I met my very best friend and confidant. What I would give to go back and relive that moment again, knowing what I know now. Besides feeling old, I felt proud. I look at you, and I see everything that I wish I could be.
You are a senior in high school this year, and I could not be any prouder of you. As I am writing this letter, I am also procrastinating going to sleep; I know that when I wake up in the morning, it will be time to drive you 200 miles to our hometown so that you can get ready for school to start in the next couple weeks. Here are a few things that I think you should hear since I will not be around all that much due to school.
You are worth more than you think.
You are one of the smartest and most beautiful people I know. How lovely it is to be able to brag about you to everyone that I know! You don't see all the amazing things about yourself, but I wish that you did. You sell yourself short sometimes, but honestly, you are worth more than all of the money in world.
You are incredibly smart.
I hate when I hear you call yourself stupid. You have been disappointed in yourself these last few months due to some of your standardized test scores, but I want you to know that a score on the ACT does not define the content and value of your wonderful mind. I know that you work so hard in school and that you are so intelligent. Today, we found out that your ACT test score increased by two points. It didn't seem like such a huge deal to you, but I want you to know that I was so proud. I honestly felt like a mother whose child just scored their first home run in a tee-ball game; I was genuinely so excited that I had to tell all of my roommates about your success. Keep trying, and I know that you will reach the score goal that you have set for yourself.
You are beautiful.
One of the things you get angry with me for is when I point out that you do not need makeup. I know, I know: you love to do it, and it is fun to you, but I think it is important for you to hear that you are so adorable without all of it. You say negative things about your appearance, but you are beautiful in every single way. Aside from appearances, your beauty radiates from within you. Your love of animals, the elderly, and unfortunate people shows me that your beauty is more than skin deep.
You are strong.
The past six months have been insane for you. You have moved halfway across the country and back and still remain the same bubbly, funny sister I have known for all of your life. You have such a strong will, and I see so much of Granny and Pappy in you. Some call you stubborn, but I see you as a person who stands her ground and dares anybody to try and shake her footing.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
God made you the way that you are for a reason. You are so young, still, and do not understand everything that there is to know. When you bash your appearance or capabilities, you are insulting God's wonderful creation: you. Your light is going to shine so brightly one day once you get a little older and become more mature in your faith.
You have a great Father.
I do not mean the one that you got your last name from. I mean the one that created you and sent His son to die for you. I know that your relationship with our biological father is far different from the one that I have. Do not forget about the Father that you have in Heaven! He thought about you and hand-crafted you to be wonderful in His eyes. You are made in the likeness of Him, and you are His child. Nothing will ever be able to take Him away from you. He will never leave you.
Do not blow off your senior year.
"Senioritis" will set in soon, and you will want to procrastinate on everything. Do not do this if you can help it. Senior year is actually one of the most crucial years for a student, especially if you are going to college. Use this time to focus on your grades, and try to boost your GPA as much as possible; however, do not forget to have fun. Stay out too late one night with your friends. Make memories with your girls. Do fun things that will enhance your life. Have fun and live your life. You will wish that you had these days forever when you are older. Trust me.
Do not grow up so fast.
I am not saying do not mature. I am simply saying that you should hold on to your youth as long as you can. Put down your phone, and look at the world around you. I wish more than anything that I had not rushed growing up as much as I did. I feel like I am 40 years old sometimes, even though I am barely 20. I look at my bank account daily, and I hate when I see bills on the table. It sucks being an adult. I would suggest enjoying the last of your childhood as much as you can, because when you're on the edge of 20 years, I assure you that you would much rather go back in time than forward.
You are my best friend, and I love you.
As I am writing this letter, I am thinking back to all of the fights we have ever had and all the things that we have said that we did not mean. I truly am glad that somewhere along the way, we figured out that being friends is so much easier than just being sisters. Sisterhood is something you're born with. You can't change it, so it doesn't require much effort. Friendship is something you choose -- and, just so you know, I would choose you every time.
I hope that this letter will help you to see just how much that I love and care for you. Thank you for all that you do for me, whether it's texting me when I'm bored, tagging me in funny videos, or ordering the large order of fries for me so I don't look like such a fatty. I love you so much, and I know that you will accomplish the most amazing things in life. Thank you for being my sister. More importantly, thank you for being my best friend.
Love always,
Your big sister (and biggest fan)
