To my little sister who is now taller than me,

I know you’re in that middle school age where everything embarrasses you, especially any significant outpouring of affection from mom or me, but I’m going to say everything I want to say anyway. The only real memory I have from kindergarten is dad picking me up in our red minivan at the back door of the school the day you were born. I vividly remember the excitement I felt when mom and dad finally told me that mom was pregnant and how much I wanted you to be a girl. I even threw a penny into a fountain and wished just for that. I had been waiting for the day I would get a lifelong best friend for six years, and even now I don’t think I’ve had a happier moment than the first time I saw you. Having a sibling meant I never had to worry about being alone or friendless. Like dad use to always say, I would have a best friend for the rest of my life no matter what happened.

Now don’t get me wrong. I know our relationship wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies, but I never once stopped loving you. We have had our fair share of arguments and slap fights, but would we really be sisters if we hadn’t. I have enjoyed watching you grow up all these years. I can’t tell you how proud I am of everything you’ve done at school and with basketball. You’re strong, caring, thoughtful, supportive and one of the funniest people I know. But I will always be most proud of you for giving your life to Christ and the way you live for him everyday. I know most of the time the little sister looks up to the big sister, but I definitely look up to you when it comes to your faith.

I know being separated from each other while I’m at college probably hasn’t been easy for you because it definitely hasn’t been easy for me. We both scoffed every time someone told us how much we would miss each other once I had left but that has proven to be absolutely true. I’ve been worried because I am no longer there to protect you from all the crappy things that life and middle school can throw at you. But I know you’re strong enough to handle life, and you have a big enough heart to get you through anything.

Now that I’ve ranted about all the gushy things of our relationship there’s some advice I want to give you. First, don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough or that you can’t accomplish something. No matter what your goals are or what you want to do with your life I will always support you and pick you back up when you fall. Second, don’t ever let a boy define who you are or control the decisions you make. You should only ever look for guidance and your identity in Christ. And finally, make the most of every situation. If you get the opportunity to experience something you’ve never done, and it’s not illegal, morally wrong, or putting someone in danger, say yes. The adventures that you encounter that take you out of your comfort zone grow you as a person the most. I’m so glad God blessed me by allowing me to be your big sister, and I love you.

Love,

Your lifelong best friend