I don’t know what I did those first two years of my life without you. I probably drooled a lot and did other baby things, but you get what I mean. Sure we fight, and when we fight we go hard, but those moments in between the fights are some of my favorites. We were young when it happened so my memory is a little fuzzy, but one of my favorite stories from when we were younger was when we were doing our hair in the bathroom of our “new” house.
We took baths, changed into pajamas, and then took to the bathroom where I taught you how to comb your hair. (I’ll let you in on a little secret now-- I didn’t know what I was doing and made up most of what I was telling you.) We sat there for what seemed like hours playing with each other’s hair.
You were my own personal doll and my playmate. You put up with so much of my crap- thank you! Looking back on all those times where I was “teaching” you about school subjects, life, and friendships I realize now that in those moments you taught me so much more. You are the reason I take on leadership roles and strive for what I do. You push me and challenge me. Thank you for being in my life.
You were my first best friend and you will always be my best friend. We have grown up side by side and now that you’re turning 18 we are heading on two different paths. I’m so proud of you. I show you off every chance I get. I regularly show my friends pictures of you and say, “Look how beautiful my little sister is!” I brag about how talented you are at photography and show people your work whenever I can.
But the characteristic I love and admire most about you is your compassion. Even though you have hit more than your fair share of rough patches in life, you have managed to persevere through it and come out of it compassionate as ever.
You truly have a heart for others, and I will forever admire that about you.
When you faced challenges at school it broke my heart. The fact that someone would intentionally hurt you destroyed me. In my eyes you were my perfect little sister and you never deserved any of that. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more to protect you.
In those years I missed seeing your smiling face, your real smiling face. It was hard to see you so lost and in pain. Your belly laugh and joyfully wrinkled face was just a memory and I prayed they would return because those are some of my favorite things about you.
With some help you have come through this. And honestly, I admire you. You are one of the strongest women that I know. You have faced more challenges in your 18 years of life than some people will in their entire life. But still you are joyful and compassionate.
You are so beyond amazing Shel and I miss you while I’m away at school. I can’t wait to come home and watch you walk across that stage and get your diploma. As you embark on the next step of your life, don’t lose sight of who you are because you are beyond perfect as is. Follow all of your dreams and never settle because you deserve the best life has to offer you. I know these are all cliché, but that’s because they are true. You deserve the world Shel, and I know that you will fight for what you want.
Just remember that I have your back. I’ll always be on you team, Shel. Always remember that I love you and no matter where you are I am just a phone call away and will always be there for you.
Happy 18th Birthday, and welcome to young adulthood Shelly Belly.
Love,
You Big Sister
