As she presses forward, her long legs strike the sidewalk. With a slight freckled grin on her face, she looks back at me. Her smile slides higher as she peels back her long brunette hair behind her right ear. Braided rope bracelets always decorate her slim wrist to compliment her tomboy style. Then she follows up with the casual scrunched noise and sarcastic response to my joke. Laughter lingers in the humid air and your vans jump into my car. It's at this moment that I glance over at my passenger seat to find my not-so-little sister smirking at me.
She's passionate, graceful and kind. She is my little best friend. Imagining our family without a fifth wheel seems entirely impossible. Her passions include horse riding, photography and a little bit of Jesus in between those hobbies. Never will you hear her putting up a fight. She simply knows her place in this world and is willing to ride it out as if she is barrel racing a horse. Grace is something that she mastered at a young age. Being the youngest sibling means she has adopted the art of making peace. Being kind is something that runs through her DNA. She reflects the heart of our parents.
This young lady takes on the hurdles of middle school while creating a dynamic social life. Her pale hand can always be seen serving a firm volleyball directly over the net. Her fan club is always directly behind the court chanting her nickname. Don't worry, I will save her the embarrassment and not slam it on this social platform. As my not-so-long fingers glide over the keyboard, I think of how easy it is to describe someone that you love so much. As nighttime fell on the latest Monday night, I was asked to tuck you in. Of course, you can find me skipping back to your blue bedroom to kiss your chubby cheek.
It's in those moments that I am reminded of my position here on earth as your sister. I am your protector, your best friend and your disciplinary. Never have my actions haunted me more than when you mock me. You non-intentionally find my flaws and spotlight them. I cannot feel sorry for myself. Grasping your spitting image of me, I slowly process how I can better develop myself as a young adult. Being an older sister is much better than being an older sibling. Sisters share passions that cannot be denied.
Never will I deny you. Never will I be embarrassed by you. Never will I hold your sins against you. It is instilled in your blood to be a God-fearing young lady. As you and I ride down the salt-filled coast, blaring our favorite songs, I am reminded of who you are to me. No matter how bad you mess up, I will be there to offer you a warm hug. I'm your big sissy and no one can take that away from me. I will forever tell you to lighten up. I will forever tell you that you are forgiven. I will forever hold you close to my heart.
These are the words of an undeniably proud sister.
