You have made decisions that even I've found difficult to support, made fun of me all my life, and you’ve lied to me more times than I could guess, but regardless, you’re my best friends. Growing up the middle child comes with its own issues, but one of the perks is being able to have both a big sister and a little one.

When people say they aren’t close with their siblings, I think of you and I can’t imagine it. I come to you with anything and everything and can’t imagine my life without you, so here are some of the reasons why.

There is no one closer to me than you. I mean seriously, I didn’t have my own room until high school, but now I find that I miss our movie references, bad jokes (on your end obviously), and actual conversations. I’ve lived the majority of my life with you just steps away and because of that, I am totally at ease when I’m around you.

There is no reason for me to act ok when I’m not or tell you what you want to hear. You’re who I think of if I need support or just someone to listen. A built-in therapist if you will, but more definitely a built-in friend.

Everyone knows the phrase “Blood is thicker than water,” but because of you, I don’t have to choose one or the other. We are both, and I would do anything for you because you’re more than just family.

Your jokes, as bad as they are, always make me laugh. Ok, maybe not always, but more often than not, they do. We have a shared humor that can always brighten my day and lighten my mood. I don’t have to wait and assess how my humor was received, cause you’ve already got a witty response.

In short, you keep me on my toes and the conversation fun.

On a more serious note, you keep me motivated. When I accomplish something, you’re always there cheering me on, whether it being getting accepted at Michigan, listening to my many band concerts, or writing for Odyssey. It keeps me going knowing that you care and that you want to see me succeed, just as I want for you.

The different routes we’ve taken for our lives aren’t comparable and I just want you to know that I’m proud of you too.

I have been blessed to have my sisters be my best friends and I wouldn’t change it for the world. You both have inspired me, encouraged me, and helped me grow. I couldn’t ask for a stronger or more determined person to look up to than my older sister. Neither could I ask for a more understanding and smart little sister to guide.

You can’t possibly know the extent of how much you mean to me, but I hope this gives you an idea.