Having a sister tie the knot is a whirlwind of an experience; it is such a mix of emotions that is really hard to explain. Not only am I extremely happy and excited for her for taking this tremendous step in her life, but I am equally torn with feelings of sadness as I realize this new journey may not always include me.

As a kid, I did everything with my sisters. From running around outside until the sun went down to doing mischievous nonsense in the house (that, at times, got us all in trouble), it was hard to be bored when together with them. Though emotions ran high for me and my sisters, there are so many cherished moments throughout my childhood that just wouldn’t have been the same without them. Even more, I probably wouldn’t have survived my parents on my own if it wasn’t for my sisters.

Then, college came and it was the first real separation in our friendship. I was no longer able to see them on a regular basis, and I no longer took that precious family time for granted. But this also brought the introduction of another dividing factor: boys. Not only were new friends and new experiences starting to take up more time from them, but now the possibility of boyfriends or even just boys in general could take away this time. And it’s not that I wasn't just as excited for them along the way, but I finally had to realize that this close-knit friendship would be put to the test.

So, when that boy finally put a ring on her finger, it can be a little bittersweet knowing that my days of sharing my sacred last name with my sister are very numbered. No longer will I be the first to hear about exciting experiences, and I no longer will be that constant shoulder to cry on. Because she has finally found the one, she will have a new partner in crime to experience all that the world has to offer her.

Though this can be hard to adapt to, it is also a reason to celebrate. Years of dreaming about wedding dresses and posting endless amounts of pictures on my Pinterest account finally have a purpose. I can't help but share in the excitement of my sister finally finding that one she knows she will spend the rest of her life with, and I share those butterflies with her as the big day draws near. Moreover, knowing that this person she has found loves her just as much as I do, is an incredible feeling, because I know that she will always be cherished just as she deserves to be.

So though it can be sad to acknowledge that some of my sister's new journey may not always incorporate me, a sister’s wedding is a time to appreciate this incredible celebration, and is an example of what could one day be a part of my own life.