I’d like to start off by thanking you for putting up with me all of these years. I don’t know what it’s like to have a younger sister, but I imagine that it can be extremely annoying at times (especially when I’m the younger sister). There were times when I thought the 10 years between us were a divide, but now I know that those lengthy years make us closer. Thank you for giving up your time to watch me when I was little (even if it wasn’t done willingly); thank you for being there when I needed someone to talk to and I didn’t think I could talk to our parents; but most of all, thank you for showing me who I want to be.
Living four hours apart made it difficult to spend “quality time” together, but I can vaguely remember the times that you would lay on the floor with me and do puzzles or play with building blocks. As a teenager, I’m sure playing with your little sister wasn’t at the top of your favorite things to do, but you did it anyway. You kept me occupied as a toddler, and drove me around in elementary school. We spent many hours at the pool and exploring the mall; you introduced me to wet seal and band tees (for which I am slightly grateful and slightly embarrassed to admit). You were always so cool and I looked up to you so much when I was little—I still do.
As I got older, we became closer. We rolled our eyes together at dad’s lame jokes and endless supply of Pink Floyd T-shirts, and we laughed at all the embarrassing things mom did in public (especially when it was at each other’s expense). You coached me through my angsty middle school years, and explained to me that less is more when it came to eye liner and hair gel. You were there for me to talk to about boys and school, especially when I was too embarrassed to talk to our parents about it. In high school, you were there for me to tell my secrets to, while simultaneously giving me motherly advice about boys, drinking, and going off to college. You allowed me to be completely honest without judgement or punishment, and you helped me to figure it all out.
Perhaps the best thing you’ve done for me, though, is show me who I want to be. I was very young when you brought my niece into this world, and I didn’t understand the true responsibility you held until this past year (even though it had been nearly nine years, and another child later). Watching you become a loving, accepting mother has been one of my favorite parts of having you as my sister. You’re one of the strongest people I know, and you’ve come so far in life, despite all the hardships that have been thrown at you. Incredible is the only way I can describe you: you continue to grow and better yourself each day, and you’re raising two amazing children. My love for you is unconditional, and although we don’t talk every day or see each other all the time, you are on my mind often. I owe much of who I am today to you and your example.
So again, thank you for being my older sister and for providing me with someone I know I can always go to. You’re a truly amazing person, and I don’t tell you that enough. I love you forever, sissy.
Alice Rose
