Dear you,

You came into my life, when I was eighteen months old, as a thirteen year old babysitter. In no time at all, you became a part of my family. You watched me grow up, but little did you know it was me that was watching you. I learned so much from you, whether they were lessons you meant to teach me or not, so this is a thank you letter for all your attributions to who I am today.

First off, thank you for my obsession with Rascal Flatts. I spent many days and nights in your passenger seat looking through CDs, until I found the one with "Prayin' for Daylight." I used to be a shy little girl who would not talk and all it took was one of their songs and I came right out of my shell.

Thank you for taking me on adventures, then and now, good and not so good. Adventures to your dorm room at TTU, where I would get lost going from the bathroom to your room. Adventures to your parents' house, to swim or watch movies. To "his" house with all the animals. To Bee Rock, even when it was my lazy day. To your first apartment, memories flood my brain every time I pass it. To your church, for a little bit of Jesus. To family gatherings, because we pretty much are family. The biggest thank you, though, is letting me be apart of the "AJ Adventure."

Thank you for being exactly what I need you to be, even when I do not know I need it. A friend, when mine just don't get it; when the squad needs a place to go; when I need someone to talk to. A big sister, to both of us. A parent, since I can tell you more than I can tell my own, most of the lectures come from you.

Thank you for being a role model. You have been through so many heart wrenching events and you have been nothing but strong. You showed me that you always have to work for your goal, it won't just show up on your door step. You showed/show me that, even through heartbreak, you have to keep your priorities straight.

Thank you for being there when I cannot be. She needs someone and being three hours away I can't really do much. You will never know how much it means to me that she has someone like you.

Lastly, thank you for loving me, for raising me, for never giving up.

I will never be able to express how much you mean to me. This letter is a start, but you lead me to who I am becoming. For that, I will never be able to thank you enough. I cannot wait to see you. I love you mean it.

From,

The little sister that God knew couldn't live without you.