Dear Ash,

Thank you. You have done so much for me and I don't even know if you know how thankful I am to have you in my life. You helped me know more about myself and who I want to be when I grow. Thank you for being the big sister that I never had. You have been there for me since day one and always will. People will ask me if I ever wanted a sibling and I knew in my heart that I have you as my big sister. You may be older than me but we are so close that it doesn't matter. We became closer as we got older and our bond will never break. Thank you for the moments when you brought me out of my comfort zone. You've taught me how to not be shy and to become more confident in myself. I was always so shy around family or anyone in general and you taught me how to just be myself and to not let my insecurities get to me. I used to be afraid that people will talk about me but you taught me to not care about anyone's opinions because it doesn't matter.

Thank you for all the times that we've laughed and the memories we've created. We were close when we were younger but we weren't as close as we are now. Now I can go to you with anything and know that you will either help me with it or laugh about it with me. I've cried to you when I felt alone and you always gave me advice to help lift me up. You've helped me realize that I'm worth more than I thought I did. You've helped me realize that I can go so far with my life if I stay determined. I value the times we have together so much. Almost every weekend, I will go to titi Johanna's house and I couldn't wait to see you so we could talk. I love the times that I spent the night at your house, we'll get snacks, will give the latest info on our lives, and would watch some shows on netflix. I love creating memories with you and can't wait to create more.

I don't know how I will be if I didn't have you in my life. Anytime I needed someone, you were available and ready to help me. When I was upset over someone, you reminded me of my worth and what I deserve in life. You reminded me that I don't need to be stressing over anyone and I have much more things to worry about then someone. You gave the best advice when it came to ex friends, school, how I was feeling, and anything in general. You were always ready to fight someone who have hurt me or messing with me. You stood by my side and never gave up on me. I'm never scared to go to you about anything because I know that you won't judge me and will help me if I need it. You never fail to make me laugh or smile when I needed it the most. I love the moments when we would share what we have so we can both get something to eat or drink and afterwards go back to your house to watch netflix. We never had a problem with putting together what we needed to help each other. Not only did you see me grow into a better person, I've also seen you become such a wonderful person.

I was so proud of her for getting one step closer to her dream

I'm so proud of you for never giving up. I was so happy to see you graduating from tri-c and now going on to CSU. You never gave up on what you wanted and did whatever you had to do to accomplish it. You were the first to finish college and I can't wait to follow in your footsteps and become the second one. You taught me to follow what I believe in and to continue with my school work so I can have a better life. I'm so grateful for the help and advice you have given me to be a better version of myself. I express how much I love you and grateful to have you in my life but I've never told how much you truly mean to me. I wouldn't have been able to grow into the woman I am now. You become one of my role models and I thank you for that. You took me in as a sister when you already have a sibling. I didn't know that I could learn a lot of things about life but you taught me otherwise.

You taught me to be comfortable in my skin. I thought that I couldn't wear certain things because I'm a big girl but you taught me to be confident and to wear what I desire. You taught me how to handle stressful situations and to not let anyone bring me down such as boys. I sometimes had trouble with going to my parents about certain things but you kept the secrets until I was ready to tell them myself. You also will give me advice on how to approach the situation and handle it. You gave me advice on what I should do for school. You taught me that I can't be cool with everyone and that I should just stick with the people who truly care about me. You know when I'm not okay and would pull me to the side so I can tell you what is going on. You tell me the truth about anything and not afraid to let me know about certain things. You have been my backbone through everything and has been down for everything.

I honestly don't know how I will be if I didn't have you in my life. I do think that you were brought into my life because how you've helped me through these years in my life. I just wanted to thank you for the times that we had together and I want you to know that I do truly love you like a sister. I wanted to thank you for a lot of things because I feel that I don't tell you enough. Such as being there for me, giving advice, keeping my secrets, and for being a big sister to me. I thought that me being an only child that I wouldn't be able to experience the true relationship that siblings have with each other but I thank you for giving me that experience.