My dear sister, if only words could fully describe the depth of my gratitude for an angel like yourself. Not everyone is able to say they get along with their in-laws, but I certainly got lucky. It's been so many years since we first met and I can't even remember my life without you in it! I suppose I have my brother to thank, for meeting you and winning you over. If not for him, I wouldn't have you and all the wonderful things that came with you.

I've always wanted an older sister. Having a brother has its own perks, but I've always wanted that feminine relationship of sharing clothes, shopping together, talking about boys, and all of the other girly things. You not only became the sister that I had long wished for, but you also became my best friend. A friend that I can talk to without worry of judgement, that I can ask about lipstick colors, who I can drag to get an oil change with me, who will let me crash on her couch, who will listen to me speak and actually care about what I have to say, and who I know loves and supports me unconditionally.

I've always admired your ability to just have fun and be kind to others. You're always saying "hi" to strangers and making others feel good about themselves. If we go out on a run, you're dancing like a crazy person. If I visit you at work, you seem to be a beacon of light amongst the Starbucks baristas. Your jubilant, upbeat energy is infectious and inspires me whenever I'm with you.

Another one of my favorite things about you is your artsy side. You always have fun and unique decorative ideas that I myself would never have thought of. When I was younger, we would write letters to each other that were accompanied by your eclectic, beautiful paintings. One time you painted me a tree on a vinyl record and after laying my eyes upon it I rushed to create a tree of my own. Another time you graffitied my name in silver on a big sky blue canvas. I put it on the wall with my old pointe shoes, creating my own small shrine that offered its own kind of encouragement.

I love that you're always willing to try new things. Whether it's a new type of ice cream or the new restaurant down the road, you're all about it. I can be adventurous with you. Not to mention, you just like to go out and do things in general. I cherish our many runs in the park, trips to buy things and food dates. It's never boring when you're around.

Unfortunately, life keeps us apart. Whenever I go home I miss you so unbelievably much. I miss that laugh, that fun, that fearlessness. I miss my sister. It's hard not being able to see you as much, but I know you're just a text away. I am beyond blessed to have a sister-in-law like you. There's no one like you and no one I would rather call my sister.

Thank you for inspiring me in more ways than you know. Thank you for loving me even though you didn't really have to. Thank you for being an addition to my life that I don't know how I ever survived without. Thank you for being you. I love you, sister.