Thanksgiving coming and going so quickly reminded us that gratitude should be expressed year-long. We should constantly remind those we appreciate -- even if it's your Seamless delivery guy. A simple "thank you" or "I appreciate you" or "I am grateful for you," can truly make someone's day.

This is my thank you letter to my sister:

Dear Mare,

Knowing that you have an old lady name (Leonor), calling you Mare or Mary simply shows the level of incomparable love I have towards you. You are my big sister trapped in the body of a twelve-year-old and this letter is to express the amount of gratitude I have for your vast wisdom, knowledge, sweetness, and silliness. Currently, I am having difficulty writing this since there are countless memories -- from really exciting to kind of sucky -- shared with you. But, I have never said “thank you” to you in person because I took you for granted and thought that was implied since you are my sister. So, here we go:

Thank you for not holding a grudge or punching me too hard when I was mean to you. I am appreciative of our relationship because we might fight for five minutes but then end up hugging each other immediately. You are truly my person Mare.

Thank you for being my “super best friend.” You are the only person that knows how I am feeling and when I need some milk, my favorite pillow, and Iggy (your stuffed puppy). You are the one who listens to my rants on the phone, laughs at my mistakes and extends your arms when I feel a bit emotional.

Thank you for spending Sunday’s dancing on the living room table and hearing my terrible screaming, which is me trying to “sing.” You manage to compliment me but tell me to stop. I admire your effortless singing skills but moreover the way you always have a giggle inside of you.

Thank you for allowing me to borrow your clothes, but also telling me straightforwardly when I can’t. You have shown me that in life we don’t always get what we want, and wanting everything may cause us to lose it all. You are the one that has kept me grounded through the numerous stages I have experienced.

Thank you for being the little light in this cold city because without you, it would have only been the three of us, alone and without someone to hold the camera when taking pictures. No, Mare thanks for giving Mom and Dad a reason to smile every day while I’m off at college.

Thank you for all our random photo shoots and never posting my ugly pictures. You are truly the beauty in this world with how easygoing you are and say, “okay” to every crazy idea.

Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for believing in me. YOU are the one who pushes me to work and not settle for minimal dreams; rather you make me believe in myself that I can achieve everything in mind.

Thank you for drawing me back into the Catholic faith and teaching me how amazing it is to go to Church, while loving and worshipping God.

Thank you for waking up every morning and before you leave to school, giving me a kiss goodbye. You have shown me that the little things in life are the most important.

Thank you, Mare, for loving me with that big heart of yours. Thank you for being the strawberry to my Nutella. It may have seemed silly then to stop and express to you all of this, but after reflecting, I realized it is necessary because you are essential to my day-to-day life. You are the reason I smile. I love you sunshine.

Love,

You favorite (only) sister