The day mom told me she was expecting you was a scary, but exciting moment. I was ten, and I knew at that point I had to protect you through anything. I was going to be your big sister; the one you look up to, the one that helps you through anything, and the one that makes sure you are always safe.
February 22nd, 2008 on a cold and snowy night a beautiful baby girl was born, and that baby was you. I held you into my arms and although I was a little frightened to hold you because you were so small, I held you and never let you go (until Alex and Giorgio wanted a turn of course).
You blossomed into the most energetic, happy, outgoing little 3 and half year old. You were so full of life and loved everybody. You were not scared of new faces, animals, clowns, etc. And you are still like that today, which is one of the things everyone loves about you. At this age I gave you the nickname Bean. And to be completely honest, I love it. It is our little thing. There is nothing better than coming home from college and me screaming Bean and you running into my arms for a hug.
It was early November and our family packed up the van and headed off to visit my mom's friends in Rochester. We were very excited because they had not seen us in a long time, and they had not met you yet. We got to their house and played a lot with their two sons. We also threw a frisbee around to their black cocker spaniel. We had food, we shared memories, and laughed a lot.
During some point of the night we were all getting tired. All of the kids went into the living room to relax. I remember this moment like it was yesterday. You were sitting on the ground coloring, minding your own business when the dog came out of no where and started to attack your head. At this moment EVERYONE was in shock. It almost felt like time stopped, as he was on top of you chewing your scalp away. If it was not for Alex I do not think you would of been here today. She ripped the dog off you and threw it across the room.
Blood, that is all I saw. Lots of blood. Dad ran over and picked you up and you were screaming deathly screams. Everyone in the room went pale. Dad brought you upstairs, and I vividly remember mom screaming in the kitchen and saying she could not look at you. She kept asking her friend Julie if you were dead. She was in shock.
The ambulance was called. Mom ran upstairs to see you and she grabbed you and held onto for what seemed like forever. I remember going into the master bedroom and she was rocking you on the chair praying and saying the our father. You calmed down a little bit, and your head was wrapped in a bandage and I am glad it was because I do not know if I could have looked at it, not because I am selfish but seeing you in that position hurt tremendously.
You were rushed off to one of the best hospitals in Rochester. You were taken under good care and after a little bit of waiting you were getting surgery. 36 stitches later, and 10 on your eye but you were alive and that was all that mattered.
I vividly can picture that pretty big brown eye of yours shut for about two weeks. There was dry blood in your hair for at least 3 days because mom was scared of hurting you. I would remember coming home each day from school and crying because it hurt to see you in pain. You were not yourself, and that hurt me the most. I just wanted you back, I missed who you really were, and at times I thought you wouldn't come back to who you use to be. But, I was wrong. Each day you progressed and only got better. The stitches were taken out, and your skin has recovered beautifully.
What amazes me is that you still love dogs. You still continue to ask mom to get you one no matter how many times she says no. You have no fear, and I thank you for being the strongest little girl. You are 9 now and you have been through more than I have, and sometimes I feel guilty. But, I want you to know that you make me the proudest biggest sister in the world. You have manners, you are caring, you are not afraid of anything, and you continue to have everybody love you the day the meet you. You are a spark, and I know that spark will never run out.
Thank you for showing your strengths and continuing to be the spunky little girl you were destined to be. Thank you for showing me what a true hero is, even at such a young age. I love you more than words can say Bean, forever and always.
