I would like to start by thanking you—through all the years you are the only friend that has stuck by my side no matter what. When Mom and Dad were yelling at me, you had my back and let me cry. When I am having terrible boy trouble (because I always choose the worst guys), you are my go-to gal to talk to about how terrible they are. I always loved the amazing hand-me-downs you would give me, I always admired your style from afar and wished I could pull off outfits like that!
You gave me the wonderful fashion sense that I have today. Growing up, I was jealous of you. Being your little sister, I looked up to you (I still do!). I thought Mom and Dad liked you better, always thought you were prettier, but most importantly, I was jealous of the fact that you loved yourself so much. You are such a determined woman, and you know exactly what you want. You were never afraid to say exactly how you felt, and sometimes tough love is the best love.
You helped me through my hardest times when all those "friends" of mine would not pick up their phones. Some of my best memories were formed with you, like when we were kicking water at each other, and I broke my toe. You laughed at me, I cried. Or when I was 3 or 4 and I ate half your birthday cake with no remorse. This time, you cried, and I laughed.
We both thought that we were the ones who were right and the other was wrong, but without those, I would not be the amazing debater I am today. You taught me how to stand my ground, like when I had to tell your terribly dreadful ex-boyfriend off because he made you cry. Not only could I count on you to be there for me at 2:00 a.m. if I needed you, but I could always count on you to come up to my room at odd hours with cupcakes.
Growing up was not fun and games for us, with all of our amazing times, we argued a lot! Sometimes over the smallest things, but those smallest things made us so emotional that we would cry and not speak to each other for days. I had a thing for going into your room and taking your clothes without your permission (I am sorta sorry), and when you found them in my room it would be like World War III! Being sisters means you were my first friend and my first enemy.
You knew from the day you meet me you had to assert your dominance, so what do you do? Scratch a month-old baby's head, and that set the stage for our childhood, constant fighting and competing to be the best. To this day, you are still convinced that you are the best, but let's be honest here, I am because I am just a sassier version of you!
"When God gave me a sister, he gave me a best friend." Trust me—growing up, I did not believe that at all!
Now, though, I could not image my life without you and never want to be in that position. You are the first person to this day that I go to when anything is wrong. If I could go back in time and change anything, I wouldn't, because I would not trade you for anything (not even $1 million).
All of these memories we formed make for an amazing childhood, but an even more amazing friendship. I do not say it enough, but I love you. You have become the closest person I have, and I am truly grateful that I get to call you not only my sister but my best friend, too!
