Dear Little Sister,

I don't know where the time went. I don't know when little chubby cheeks turned into defined cheekbones; I don't know when playing dress up with tutus turned into gorgeous homecoming dresses; I don't know when seven turned into almost 17.

But I wish time would slow down.

Now don't get me wrong, I love that you're getting older. I love that we can run away to Disney when we need a break or rock out a concert together. Some of our best memories have been made in the past few years now that we can go on our own adventures.

But at the same time, I want you to stay my little sister forever.

I wish it worked that way.

You're growing up so fast right before my eyes. You are becoming a beautiful young woman, inside and out, and I could not be more proud. You are intelligent, talented, beautiful, kindhearted and generous. You were the child who donated all of her change to help children in Zimbabwe, and you are the young adult who aspires to make this world a better place.

You are humble and inspiring.

And yes, you, the little sister, inspire me, the big sister. You inspire me to dream bigger and to be better. I'm amazed at how you do that, but I'm also thankful.

Sometimes I need a pick-me-up, and you are waiting with a stupid song and silly dance to perform. Sometimes I need advice, and you are ready to listen and guide me. Sometimes I need to get away, and you're ready with your Mickey ears and MagicBand to go to Disney for the day. Sometimes I need a shoulder to cry on, and you are right there with your arms wide open and an understanding heart. And I can't thank you enough for understanding that I need help and guidance too, even though I'm older.

As you head toward graduating high school and going off to college, I just want you to know this:

I love you.

I am proud of you.

I will always be here for you.

I will be here when you need advice on what clubs to join and what boys to avoid. (Side note: you want a MAN, not a boy.) I will be here when you're unsure about what major to choose and what to wear to your first big interview. I will be here when you walk across that graduation stage and enter the 'real world' and if you need to, you can live on my couch until you land that first job.

There is nothing you cannot achieve, and you are well on your way to being all that I have ever envisioned you to be.

God blessed me with not only a sister, but also a best friend, and I could not be more thankful.

You are on your way; you can go the distance. And I will be there every step of the way.

Love,

Your Big Sister