Dear sister,

18 years to this day, is the longest sustained best friendship I have, my lifetime. Siblings are given to us with the opportunity for multiple different kinds of relationships. I am truly lucky that I have formed an extremely close one with you because not everyone can say that their sister is their best friend. Not a single person knows me as well as you do, you probably know me better than myself. You have seen me and my all time highs and lows in life. You remind me of all of the good in me that I sometimes can’t understand, and accept me unconditionally as I do for you. Having an older sister like you has helped me grow and develop into the person I am today. Being three years older, you certainly paved the path in the family. You were an example of what to do and what not to do. You made all the mistakes first, so thank you for that! Thank you for all of the teachers who through out school heard I was your sister and a smile instantly crept upon their face. You are the best person I know and your drive and motivation, motivates me.

It is imprinted in my head like yesterday when we used to beg to be excused from dinner to play with our Barbies, have photo shoots with the cat, set up forts of blankets, put on talent shows, make up dance routines, and the list goes on. A true act of sistership was when I landed myself with stitches in the hospital (surprise) and you gave me your favorite bratz doll. It’s these little innocent childish acts that will remain forever. As we got older, when you could drive, we would blast music in the car and take off sometimes even without a destination. Going on sunset dates, or to the beach every day over the summer when I would carry you and your broken ankle to the water, experiencing a whole different country in Italy together, laying in bed for 6 hours and watching the entire season of Fuller House, and experiences that just keep coming.

I have had many friends tell me how jealous they were of our relationship, of how close we are. People even call us twins, because apparently we look alike. Even with all of our differences we still accept and support each other. Since being miles and miles apart, there is simply no greater feeling that the minute you wrap your arms around me or jump on top of me in surprise after time apart. I truly feel a piece of my heart has returned with your presence.

So thank you for being you, for extending past the basics of being a sister, but my best friend. This is a relationship I am extremely grateful for everyday whether I express it enough or not. Love you forever and ever!