1. You’re the little blessings I never knew I needed.

Each time I got a “new big sister” T-Shirt, I didn’t know what that meant, but you’ve showed me it was one of the greatest things I could have ever asked for. Without you, my life would have been a quarter of what it’s been, and I’ve been lucky to have had you as a sidekick on so many of my memories.

2. You make me so proud.

Looking back at who you’ve grown up to be and where you’re going gives me so much pride as your big sister. Every sports game you play, job you get, good grade or milestone has been one that I could brag about to anyone who will listen. Everything you do has been a blessing to watch, and I know I will always be proud of you and where you go in this crazy life.

3. We have the best parents

We’ve given them countless headaches, sleepless nights, and drained their wallets with new cleats and take out food, but they love us more than anything, so don’t forget it. We couldn’t have asked for more supportive people who have helped us get to where we are and where we will go. They have been our biggest fans and taught us our hardest lessons, so say thank you every once and a while and hug them a little tighter. We really did luck out.

4. You will make mistakes, and that's okay.

Take it from me, you’re going to mess up and you’re going to fail. It’s going to hurt and you might feel embarrassed or worried about what comes next, but take a deep breath and relax, you’ll get through it.

5. You have always looked out for me, even when I didn't realize it.

You are always there to give your protective advice, or tell me when I’m being completely ridiculous. You tell me like it is. You’ve never wanted to see me hurt, and you don’t let me take anyone’s crap. Even when I didn’t want to hear it, you told me what I need to hear, and you’ve gotten me through breakups, moving, graduating, and so many other countless things, I just never relized it.

6. You've given me my favorite memories.

Holidays watching old family films or pulling up childhood pictures has never failed to make my stomach ache from laughter and cheeks hurt from smiling. Whether it was baking shows with my new Easy Bake Oven, or excruciatingly long car rides across the country, some of my best and favorite memories include you.

7. You can do anything you set your mind to.

You’ve got some crazy years coming up, so just know anything you want to do, I can’t wait to watch where you go. You might decide to go to college across the country, or maybe even become a whale watcher, but wherever life takes you I’ll always be there to hear about your adventures and miss you tremendously.

8. You make leaving home hard.

You are some of my best friends, and even though you don’t always know it, leaving home for 4/5 months is hardest because of you. Thank you for always making the time I get with you special till I get to be there again.

9. I am so grateful for...

For you listening to me complain about things, giving in when I want something different for dinner, going along for the ride when I run errands, putting up with my Netflix/music choices, teaching me how to play COD/Madden, always being in the mood for fried Oreos, tolerating my awful middle school years, never forgetting my birthday and being the amazing siblings you are.

10. I will always love you.