Dear Sissy,

This really should have started with “Dear Permanent Best Friend” because that’s what you are to me. For our whole life we have been connected, whether we wanted it or not. When we were little and mom would dress us in matching outfits despite protests from one of us, she was really just giving us a preview for what we would love to try and do when we got older. Over the years we have had our ups and downs, our fights and our bonding moments, but ultimately you were always by my side and for that, I am forever thankful.

As we go our separate ways for school, I know it will be so hard to not have each other to come home to at the end of the day. We’ve always been there for each other at the end of the day and that’s going to change but that doesn’t mean I’m not there. I will always be just a phone call or Facetime call away. I will constantly have your back to cover for you to mom and dad (if need be) and will always go along with your crazy ideas and stories. No matter what it is, never hesitate to call me even if it’s three in the morning and you just want to tell me about your dream.

I am so proud of all of the things you’ve done. I am always in awe of how smart, compassionate, and faithful you are. You are a major role model to me and I look forward to seeing all of the amazing things you will do in college. I have no doubt that you will have such a bright future. Whatever you choose to do you will excel at because that is who you are. You put your mind to everything and can get anything accomplished.

When I struggle here at school to keep up in my academics or with making friends and getting involved, I will always think “what would Sissy do?” because it always leads me to the right answer. You push me to do better in everything I do, especially math, and even though it’s incredibly annoying sometimes, I know you also only want the best for me. Same goes for the people I date. One of the first tests they have isn’t to meet mom and dad, or the dog for that matter, it’s to meet you. I’ve learned if they don’t connect with you, they aren’t worth my time.

So thank you for being my best friend all these years because without you I would not be the person I am today. Even though we grew up and were learning about life at the same time, you helped to mold who I am today. You are an integral part of my being and I know that one day we’ll look back and be so glad we became best friends and not just sisters. Thank you for all you have done, and all I know you will continue to do for me. I love you so much, and I know we have a lifetime of memories ahead of us.