Every Thanksgiving, my family goes around our large dinner table and says something we are each thankful for. Usually, I say something like “being here,” “my wonderful family and friends,” or even “my dog.” Which I am all thankful for, always and forever.

But this year I have a special person to be thankful for and that is you, my wonderful sister.

The road for me has not been easy. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, most of the time in just a singular day. Through it all, you have been there. Standing fearlessly behind me for when I fall and need someone to pick me back up.

You know when to tell me I’m in the wrong or making a mistake.

“Don’t do that…” are the three simple words that have stopped me from doing a lot of things that really were terrible ideas.

“Let’s convince mom and dad to let us get another dog.”

“Hey, I think I should get bangs!”

“Should I go to this party the night before an 8 am?”

Unlike a lot of people who just say “Sure, why not!” you know when to tell me how awful of an idea it is. I don’t always like it, but I need it.

You always pick up…

Whether it’s 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., when I call, you pick up. A lot of the time it’s to tell you something unimportant like “I saw a puppy today!” But sometimes, it’s for a good old rant session. One that only my sister would know how to listen to and give advice on.

We share the most loving, thoughtful family anyone could ask for.

Yes, our parents are absolute dorks. Our brother is a gremlin. Our dog is... insane. And our extended family? Don’t even get me started on them...

These people, our people, are the best blessing God could have given us. And we get to share every crazy, loving moment with them for the rest of our lives.

Frenchies…Frenchies everywhere.

Your weird obsession with French Bulldogs is what half of our conversations are about... the answer is still no. You cannot have one yet.

You’re happy, I’m happy.

We generate energy off of each other, whether it’s when we are both at home or 400 miles away. It’s a sister thing...

Coffee? Coffee.

We need it. Enough said.

The love of shoes.

Your taste is Christian Louboutin, mine are Vans. Somewhat polar opposites, but still a shared love.

You’ve been there and done that... thank God.

I don’t know how I would get through half of my life crises if you hadn’t already been through them. You always know what to do because you’ve been in my exact position, just five years back. We may disagree on the way things should go but by the end of the conversation, you’re usually right.

Did someone say “Let’s go?”...

In a weird, amazing way, Virginia Tech has brought us together even more. We share the love of Chicken Parm, Enter Sandman, the duck pond, Pritchard hall, and so much more that Hokie Nation has given us. With a father as an alumnus, it’s hard not to have a pull to Blacksburg, VA.

Unconditional, inescapable love.

19 years ago your world was forever turned around. You. Are. Welcome.

You’re stuck with me no matter what. Through your bad days, good days, and just average days, I will be there. Just as you are for me. That’s what sisters are for.

So here is to you, my big sister. Thank you for being you, and thank you for being a part of my life.