I can’t say we always got along as well as we do now, or even that we had such a strong unique connection like we do now. But what I can say now is I could not be more thankful for what we have. I can remember our silly dance parties to Lizzie Maguire and our special sing-alongs to High School Musical. And let's not forget our car rides that have been filled with laughs, tears, and the occasional yelling, but that would always be resolved with singing at the top of the lungs. Those car rides are what started our ever growing and exciting friendship. They always say your sister is your obvious friend, but our sisterhood is a strong friendship. We both have had some struggles; high school wasn’t exactly my best friend but that doesn’t mean it can’t be yours. There are a few things I want you to remember as you continue on with your high school years as I am not exactly a few steps away from your room anymore.

For starters, remember how special of a person you are. Yes, I know, you are so so tired of hearing that because everyone tells everyone they are special. But Debbie you are one of the most unique, smiley, energetic, loving girls I have ever known. For goodness sakes, you feel sorry for dairy cows. Dairy. Cows. Deborah. I have found that one of the most painful feelings is watching someone you love not realize how beautiful of a person they are and how much of a positive impact they have on you and I have felt that feeling about you way too many times. I hope that one day, soon, you have that realization that you are a huge part of my life and have helped shape me into who I am today and I am so proud of that and you.

As you near the second half of your sophomore year, I am hoping you get a little more into life. Take that leap of faith of talking to someone new at school, make a stranger smile by doing a random act of kindness, go to lunch with the family and live life to the fullest. Do not get to caught up on one little thing that does not go your way. Brush it off and remember that you are greater than any obstacle. I know you know this quote but it is one thing that has always seemed to be something to get you and me through the rough patches. “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers”. Don’t forget those little words of encouragement Little Debbie.

It’s hard to describe to someone the friendship we have because it is so complex yet so simple. It’s crazy how we always seem to read each other's mind and know the worst possible time to not take a serious picture for mom and be insanely obnoxious for the photos. My, what a time it is when we are on the front side of a camera. You give me a reason to want to be a better person, a reason to make something of myself, you give me a reason to smile when you do your flailing dance moves and silly faces and a reason to cry when we have our sister moments.

I hope that I am doing a good for you and that you realize you can turn to me no matter what the situation because a sister’s bond is greater than any other. I want to be someone you can look up to and trust.

A few things to remember as you take on this crazy ride called life. Keep in mind that nothing in life is promised, anything good in life is worked for. Surround yourself with positive people and disconnect yourself from anyone toxic. But remember not to let the toxicity stick with you, because you deserve so much better.

Although I am not always as close to you physically as I was a few months ago, I think that has made us even closer emotionally.

I love you to the moon and back,

Your favorite sibling, Mags