I was 7 when I was told that we had another sibling on the way. We were at a Dairy Queen when the parents told us. I remember the excitement of having another person join our brand-new family. I always knew that I was getting another sister too. That was all I wanted, since I had grown up with all brothers for most of my life. I imagined all the things we would do together. I would be the cool sister that took you shopping in my Mustang (let’s all take a moment to laugh at 7-year-old me). I had no idea what it would be like to be an older sister to you. An 8-year difference is an interesting dynamic to have between the both of us. I was so excited for the years ahead of us. Little did I know that being your older sister would completely change my life.
After your toddler years, we would fight. All. The. Time. You know what you want and you are determined. I was all about having order and being in charge. And it seemed you wanted to be in charge as well. Man, we fought. We fought about everything for most of my middle school years. Looking back, it makes me sad that we didn’t get along, but those years taught me how to be the older sister you needed me to be. I learned how to get along with you, to let the small things slide and how to be supportive. I learned the importance of spending time with you and making memories that I wanted you to remember.
As we’ve grown older, we’ve been able to do more stuff together. I was finally able to take you out shopping, although it was in my beat-up Camry. We’ve gone to get Starbucks in the morning and frozen yogurt in the summer. I think my favorite time with you is just watching you grow up into a wonderful young woman.
You are bold and daring. You are so authentic and true to yourself. You have a sharp tongue and wit that even gets me at times. You love to argue, for the sake of it. Life never seems to have a dull moment with you. You are also hilarious, funnier than I ever was at your age. I see how my influence has affected you, even if I didn’t realize it at the time. I know this because of how much I’m missed by you when I’m gone. No matter where I’m at or where I’ll go, I will always be with you, just like you are with me. I’ve always got you back, even when it seems like no one else does. I care about you even when it seems the world does not. You’ve always got a friend, a shoulder to cry on, a life coach and a late-night talk buddy. I was one of your first friends, even if you didn’t know it. And I will always be there. No matter what. I love you!
-Love, your older sister
