When I first met you, you were the girl that my brother was absolutely head over heels in love with, but couldn't be with. You two were in college and decided your friendship was more important to nurture and let grow before you two could be together. I respected you for that from the first time I heard about you, from the first time my brother told me about you with that look on his face that anyone only gets when they know someone is the one.
Fast forward eight years to him proposing to you in front of both of your families, and then another year to when you walked down the aisle and vowed to love each other forever in front of all your friends, families and loved ones. I said it when he first mentioned you and I say it to this day, you two were always mean to be. This is to you, a thank you for being everything he could want and need, and for becoming a part of our lives.
I always wanted a sister growing up, although I claimed to be a tomboy and not a girl's girl. I wanted someone to talk to about boys and that I could trust with everything. I wanted a lifelong friend, but that I could bond with as a real sister. I wanted my brothers to find someone who just fit into our family and I thank God that my brother found you.
You're so kind to everyone that it amazes me how pure you are. I admire your character and the way you carry yourself. I admire how you can jump right in with making fun of my brother to put him in his place (especially when he's initially picking on me). Thanks for coming to my defense at those times, as I was definitely the minority in a house with two brothers growing up.
Thank you for always welcoming me into your home and accepting me as a third wheel. I spent a lot of time third-wheeling with you and my brother over the years and you never made me feel unwelcome or like I overstayed my welcome. You always encouraged me to hang out with you guys, go out with you guys and made me feel like I was part of your group of friends instead of just my brother's little sister. I can't thank you enough for always welcoming me with open arms.
You're so selfless and always are asking others what's going on with them and how they're doing. I admire how much you care about others. I want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to or want to talk about yourself, I'm here to listen. I'm terrible at reaching out to people and I'm awful at staying in touch, but I hope you know that you mean so much more to me than just being my brother's wife.
Thank you for being a part of our family and accepting our family as we are (really, you're the MVP for taking us on). Thank you for always lifting me up, for letting me gossip to you, for being an amazing friend to not just me but to your other friends as well. I know they agree that you're one in a million and you friendship is one of the most valuable friendships out there.
Thank you for becoming my sister, and not just my sister-in-law.
