From the day they brought her home from the hospital I was in love. There is nothing like being a big sister and getting to help and hold your little sister all the time, not that I actually remember, considering I was almost three years old when my baby sister was born. Now 18 years have flown by and I am realizing she’s not a baby anymore and it’s time we stop treating her like one.

I could always convince her she couldn’t play with me because she was too little and then she grew taller than me. I could convince her that she couldn’t hang out with me and my friends because she was too young and then we were a part of the same friend group. I don’t know who looked out for who more…but I’m thankful for her each and every day.

Of course there were always fights, no one can deny that. And she threw more temper tantrums than I would even dare to count, but I never wanted to hurt my baby sister. After having to hold her down while mom was trying to give her medicine (what big sister wouldn’t want to sit on the little one) it broke heart to feel her kick and squirm or to hear her scream. Honestly, I’m the softy between the two of us. She might have kicked, screamed, and yelled more often, but I always had the silent tears of joy or sadness first.

I’d like to say that my baby sister followed my footsteps to become who she is today, but she didn’t. Some days it’s looked like it, but she made her own path and dodged every tip and opportunity I laid out for her on a platter. We have many similarities and common interests, and definitely look and act alike. But she busted out of her shell, and became a leader in stage productions at our high school, sat first chair in band and was a section leader in choir. She loves being a cheerleader and had a smile on her face even when the team lost. Those are all things that I never accomplished and I don’t think I could have. I’ve come to realize that sometimes she’s not given the credit she deserves, and sometimes it’s because she’s the baby and maybe a little because she didn’t do the same things that we did while in high school. But my baby sister is a rock star!

Now she’s 18 years old and preparing to graduate. My baby sister has grown up. She’s not a baby anymore. So what am I supposed to call her now? My adult sister…no. My little sister would be ok, but she’s not little anymore. Maybe just my sister will do. Except now the term sister says even more about who she is than ever before.

I have always loved her and she will always be my friend, but now I know she’s my best friend and that will never change. She always gives me a kick in the ass when I need it, a hug when I don’t always deserve it, and a laugh every time we talk. My sister has grown into a smart intelligent woman just trying to figure out what she wants to do in life. She is creative and kind and is always looking out for the people she cares about most. My baby sister will always be the family baby, but she’s my sister and my friend, not a baby anymore.