Dear Little Sister,

Growing up, we were often asked if we were twins. Mom loved dressing us up in the same clothes, such little divas in our heart-shaped sunglasses and scrunchy-tied hair. We were basically the Olsen twins of the Northeast coast. We corrected everyone that asked, acting as if our 22 months apart was so significant, which to us it was. Why we never just said two years is beyond me, but that's beside the point.

Being an older sister is interesting. One day I'm your sister and want to protect every single hair on your little head. The next day I'm your mom and love to watch your every move like a hawk. The next day I'm your best friend and need to be updated on every aspect of your life. On a good day I get to low-key be all three. I never quite know what to expect with you.

Though it may not seem like it, one of the most difficult things for me is watching you struggle. I wish I could take away and protect you from every single problem you will ever face. Life is hard. I know because I have already went through everything that you will go through. Though I never want you to experience half of the things that I have, I know that I cannot protect you from everything. I will always be here to guide you and give you advice on anything you may need.

It is difficult for me not to think of you as that little girl anymore. I blinked and you started having boyfriends, began high school, got your drivers license, then your first job, and developed into an incredible young lady. I like to think that there is still so much I need to teach you, but look at you. You are strong, you are independent, you know what you want and you refuse to settle for anything less. Your only weakness is that you care too much because you give your all into everything that you do. You have expectations and standards, and you will never fall short of them. I am sure of that.

It is not easy for me to be so far away from you. I know, that is not something that I say often, or ever for that matter, but I think about you every day. Some days, I am content with getting your daily snapchats and facetime calls, catching up on the usual events of the day. Other times, I wish you were here to order pizza and eat ice cream while we watch movies together all night.

I do not tell you this enough, but I love you so much more than you know. You have been by my side for the highest and lowest points of my life. I would not be the same person I am today if I did not have you in my life. We share so many memories and secrets, many of which we will laugh about one day (Sorry Mom and Dad in advance, I hope you'll laugh along with us).

You are outspoken, you are bossy, and you can give me a headache faster than anything else in this world, but you are the little sister that I was blessed enough to have, and for you, I'll always be grateful.

So Much Love,

Your Older Sister