I am the product of two amazing people who decided they could be even more amazing apart from each other. Because of this, I was blessed with three loving parents, a half-brother, a half-sister, six living grandparents, and a boat load of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. My family is massive, as is the love that I feel.

I was an only child until I was eight-years-old when I got my awesome little brother, who is occasionally a pain in my butt. Then, three years later, my half-sister was born. I say half because that is technically correct, but they are both my siblings through and through. Unfortunately, my sister lives 600 miles away with my dad and stepmom. Here's what that means:

I will always be willing to watch cartoons on Saturday morning while I'm visiting. I will always be down to play Candyland. She never has to ask twice for me to help her get ready for bed or read her stories. I will be there, because I can only be there sometimes. My dad worries that she takes too much of my time or that I need some "me-time," but why would I ever choose that over spending time with this seven-year-old bundle of fun?

I appreciate every second I have with my sister from the moment she runs toward me at the airport until I'm hugging her goodbye. I don't have the ability to get annoyed with her always wanting to be entertained because I have to squeeze in all the sister loving that comes in a year, in just a few weeks.

I look forward to hearing about her crushes (hopefully not anytime soon) and taking her shopping or out for ice cream, but it makes me sad to think that I am not there to see her grow everyday. For me, being a half-sister means I have to try twice as hard to be the best sister, but the extra effort is worth it.

I love you sis!