When I was a little girl, my best friend in the entire world was my big sister. She was my personal superhero, my mentor, my first friend, my shoulder to cry on. We were so close in age that we would often go through the same stages of life at the same time. Now that we’ve grown up, and moved away from one another; we don’t seem as close anymore. Don’t be mistaken, this is not the case. She will still make fun of you and embarrass you. She will still give you advice and lend her shoulder when you just need to cry it out.

Big sisters, we love you and we want to make sure that you know a few things.

1. You are important.

Before we came along, you probably got a lot more attention. It may seem like we stole that from you sometimes. Please know that you are just as important as we are. You will forever be our favorite, and we recognize how awesome you are. We hope that you can see that as well.

2. Stop worrying about how we see you.

Just live your life how you want to live it. Don't do anything just because you think we might judge you otherwise. Our love for you is irrevocable and we will support everything you pursue in life.

3. Thank you for supporting us.

You were our biggest cheerleader, and we can never thank you enough for that. You understood us, and you offered us your support when we needed it the most.

4. We will always support you.

Let us return the favor. We want to support you. We want to see you succeed. We will stand on the sidelines as you achieve your goals and we will cheer until our voices crack.

5. Thank you for letting us steal your clothes.

As much as you complained about it, you always made sure to tell us that we looked nice. Sometimes we just want to channel you in the simplest of ways and wearing your sweater makes it a little easier.

6. You will always be our role models.

No matter what path you walk, we will find ourselves keeping track of your footsteps.

7. There’s no competition.

In the past, we know that people have compared us. Please know that we have never seen this as a competition. Besides, even if we did, you would win.

8. You will always be our best friends.

No matter what, you will always be the first person we think to call when something happens. We love you in a way that cannot ever be shaken. You were our first best friend, and you always will be.

9. You are strong.

There have been many times when we watched you crumble, but then we have gotten to watch you put yourself back together. We are amazed how strong you are, and we just want you to know that we see you when you're strong and we see you when you aren't. We love you either way.

10. Thank you for being strong; for us.

We know that there have been times when you have hidden your sadness from us. When you have forced yourself to smile and assure us that everything is fine when everything is definitely not fine. We know. You don't have to pretend anymore. Maybe we weren't strong enough back then, but you gave us so much of your strength that we aren't afraid anymore. Thank you.

Thank you for loving us so much.