Eighteen years ago, I became a big sister to one of the most special people I know. I will never forget mauling you as a baby because I was so excited to hold you, waking up before you to make sure you didn’t climb out of your crib and feeding you cheerios behind mom’s back because I wanted you to grow faster. I will always remember you as the little girl I would do everything with and fight with about almost everything.

So thank you. Thank you for:

1. Sharing: Even though at times I despised sharing things with you, and I know you did too, it taught me to not be selfish.

2. Sassy: We all know I am Sassy Sam, but you make it a bit more acceptable to be sassy because you have a sassy streak too.

3. Friend: Not everyone is as fortunate as us to be friends with their sibling; you always have a friend in me.

4. Listener: I don’t say much to you, but when I do, you are always there to listen to my shpeel.

5. Shorter: As dad always asks, “Why is Sam taller than you?” He claims that it is because you did not eat enough protein when you were a kid. Thank you for making me feel tall, because I like feeling tall.

6. Closet lender: We aren’t the same size, but there are a few things of yours that I can get away wearing. We used to be so petty sharing clothes with each other, but now it is great!

7. Self-Esteem Booster: We all get down at times, but you always seem to make it personal when you boost me up, it shows how much you really care.

8. Co-Moms: Who would have thought it wouldn’t be just you and me, but we would be blessed with both being big sisters to our brother? We are a perfect tag team for helping raise our little brother.

9. Personal Assistant: Even though you hate it sometimes, you do lend me a hand when I am gasping for air drowning in all the things I have to do.

10. Chit- Chat Pal: You are the first person I turn to, to talk about what crazy thing mom did, or what new idea dad has.

11. Personal Hairdresser: I secretly like the cool hairstyles you do on me sometimes. It is nice to have someone help amp up the hairstyle every once in awhile.

12. Guinea Pig: I will never forget the time you asked me to do your make-up, and I made you look like a clown. I swear it was not intentional, but somehow you trusted me to do your makeup again after that.

13. Sister Telepathy?: There are times when you know I would say something, but I just do not care enough to say it - but you get it.

14. Partner in Crime: Who else would I want to ambush our brother with, or pull pranks on Nan with?

15. Making me a great sister: Just being you helped me grow to become an even better sister and friend to our brother.

16. Inspiration: You are always laughing and smiling. When I see you having a good time, it makes me want to smile and laugh too, J.

17. Making me a proud sister: I am proud to be your sister because you have accomplished so many great things, and deserve to be on the path to an amazingly successful future.

18. Being my sister: I am delighted that I get to share a part of my life with you, and of course our little brother.