To My Big Sister,
Whenever I meet someone who's an only child, I often wonder what that would be like. Do those people have more money? Do they get more attention from their parents? I wonder, how would my life be if I didn't have an older sister?
The answer is worse. My life would be totally, significantly worse.
In case I haven't said it lately, I am irrevocably grateful to have you as my big sister. Not only are you my big sister, but you were my first best friend, my favorite playmate growing up and to this day, you're still my role model. We were born 13 years apart, and although a big age difference may make some siblings be further apart, I'm thankful that our age difference seemed to make us even closer.
For many summers growing up, you were my babysitter. On days when you probably wanted to be at the mall or hanging out with your friends, you were with me. You played games with me, and got in trouble for the things I did (like when I broke the glass coffee table with my Chucky Cheese hammer). You even spent those summers teaching me how to read and write. I think some credit of my love of books definitely goes to you (along with the blame for my crooked, left handed, messy handwriting.) Thank you for spending those summers with me and for helping me grow. You could've just kept the TV on and let the TV babysit me, but instead, you spent time with me. I loved those summers and I look back on them fondly.
You were my first best friend and my first role model. Growing up I just remember constantly thinking how funny and cool you were, and how I wanted to be just like you. I remember barging into your room and never wanting to leave because I constantly wanted to spend time with you. Thank you for tolerating me and for letting me sit on your big green bed with you while we watched TV. Bugging you was always the best part of my day.
No matter where we've been in our lives you have never failed to make me feel special and important. When you were in college you would have me come up and visit you and I'll never forget going to Applebee's for my birthday and passing out bids with your (and now our) sorority sisters. When you got married I was the flower girl and I'll never forget how happy I was for you and how excited I was to be a part of your special day. When I came to visit you one summer and you took me to New York City to see "Wicked" on Broadway and to take me to times square. The list could go on forever, but I really just want to thank you for always making me a priority.
Many years have passed and a lot has changed with us. You have your own children, and family and job, and I'm away at school and just starting out my life as a young adult. We don't always see eye-to-eye on things. We fight often and it's blatantly apparent that we're two very different people, but despite all of the ups and downs, there's one thing that hasn't changed. I am still so thankful to be your little sister. You are a kind, smart, strong and a loving individual. Having you in my life has been the greatest gift. I know I don't say it enough, but thank you.
