Dear Sister,
Step by step, you’ve run with me through life for 18 years. Although we haven’t always kept stride with each other (you did do cross country in high school), we’ve always been there for each other. You’ve picked me up every time I’ve fallen, you’ve carried me when I felt like I couldn’t carry on, and you’ve sprinted with me to the finish line. Running metaphor aside, you’ve been one of the single constant things in my life, and you have no idea what that means to me.
I miss you. I miss coming home at the end of the day and telling you everything about my day. I miss stealing your leftover pizza when you’re not home, and I miss hearing about it when you get back. I miss all the times we’ve sat around watching YouTube videos at one in the morning, trying not to wake up Dad because we’re laughing too loudly. I miss sleeping in your room even though mine is only five steps away. I really miss sharing my closet with you (seriously, my wardrobe is pretty sad now).
These silly, little things get to me sometimes. You’re not really gone, but watching you move away to South Carolina for school was one of the toughest things for me to swallow as your sister, and as your best friend. When you left that day, I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to keep you close anymore. I can text you, call you, and post on your Facebook 50 times, but it’s not the same. Being six hours away from each other means that there are no more therapy sessions with Ben and Jerry’s, no more occasional petty fights over who took the cream-colored sweater, and no more cuddle sessions with the dog. Everything is a little bit different now, but not necessarily in a bad way.
We both have the opportunity to start new chapters of our lives. College is the chance to become who you want to be, if you so choose to take that chance. You’re a prospective athletic trainer, soon to be working for the NFL. You’ve got new friends and new interests to keep you occupied. You’re living your new life. Our paths are very different, but I’ll always stand along the side, watching you accomplish what you’ve always wanted.
This is the start of our lives, separate from each other, and you look like you’re doing fine. Keep it up kid, I’m proud of you, and I’m so glad to have you in my life. I love you, sissy.
All my love,
Alex
