I remember the day you were born. I walked into the hospital toting a stuffed elephant to give to my new baby sister. Over the past fourteen (almost fifteen!) years, I have watched you grow from a clumsy toddler who rejoiced over the fact that she could fit two pacifiers in her mouth, to the wonderfully talented and dedicated woman you are today. As you grow older, there are a few things I want you to know.

Friends are the best thing in the world. Whether you go to them to cry, to vent, or to laugh and tell them about your day, they are always there for you. They will make the world seem right when everything else seems wrong. Don't feel pressured to have millions of them, either. Sometimes two friends who know you better than anyone else in the world is all you need.

But you will ALWAYS have me. We may butt heads and there may be times where it may seem like we will never understand each other, but if you find yourself needing a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to vent to, I am always here. I want to be apart of your excitement. I want to see your eyes light up about things that make you happy. I want to hold your hand and tell you everything will be okay when it seems like nothing will.

There are few things that can't be fixed with ice cream and movies. If you're feeling down, angry, stressed, or upset, crawl under your blanket with some Ben & Jerry's and a good movie and forget the world for a little while. I'll be there for you whenever you're ready.

No boy is worth your tears. You are the most talented, confident, magnificent, and kind person I know. I want to be like you when I grow up. Don't let a silly boy take that away.

You can do anything you set your mind to. Many people say this, I mean it. You want to live in New York and star on Broadway? You do it. You want to be the first female president? Keep kicking butt. Work the hardest you've ever worked, and keep your eye on the prize. Don't let nay-sayers tell you otherwise. Whatever you want to do in life, I will support you the whole way. I believe in you and I always will.

Drama is not worth your time. We've all gone through it, be it a boy who you like, or problems with friends. Years from now, you will not even remember why the problem started. Leave that in middle school.

I am proud of you. I've watched you go from project to project, be it singing, acting, baking, or fighting for something you believe to be right, and you always go at it with your whole heart. You embrace the challenge set in front of you, realizing the sky is the limit. I've never met anyone more hardworking than you.

You are my best friend. There is no one in the world who knows me better than you. You know when I'm upset and when something is wrong. When I want to be left alone, you wait until I am ready with cookies and hugs. You know my dreams and passions, and encourage me to pursue them whole-heartedly. You have been my number one fan from day one.

I love you. You'll always be my best friend, my sister, my confidante, my cheerleader, my partner in crime.

Love,

The Sister Who Can't Believe How Lucky She Is