5 things I love about Asha:

1. Your unfailing ability to express love. I don't know who taught you that because mom and I were never great at it. But you are so good at it. You give hugs, you gives kisses, you are warm, you are clingy and sometimes cringe-y. I spent years trying hard not to be the object of your affection but if I could turn back the clock I would never let go of your hand when you reached for mine. I would hug back when you hugged me and I would kiss you as much as possible.

2. Your intelligence - You blow my mind sometimes with your intelligence. You are so creative, smart, and curious. You always ask questions about things that are and aren't age appropriate. Sometimes I wish I had changed my responses to some of your questions. I wish I had fed your curiosity. I wish I had taken those moments to help you with your homework. You figured it out by yourself because you are brilliant, but still I wish I had told you how much so.

3. Your attitude - It’s something we argue about all of the time and while I don't love it, I can appreciate it because you do indeed have a spine. That for me is important for me to know as your big sister because I can't always be there to protect you. Your attitude, although sometimes misplaced, is healthy and necessary if you are to grow into yourself and your strength. So keep it. Learn how to wield it along with your STRENGTH. It will come in handy.

4. Your beauty - I've never told you this but I was always so jealous of how much you looked like mommy. I always felt like the alien. The both of you with your wide set eyes, high cheekbones, and beautiful smiles. Truly, watching you grow into yourself has been quite the experience. Sometimes I reminisce on how much of a cute chubby toddler you used to be. Now you're tall and so skinny! Mom and I still don't know how with the way you out eat us!

5. Your humor - Really truly they say kids say the darndest things and you have always said the darndest things since you could talk. You were always saying something that made mommy and I laugh or shake our heads. You make everyone laugh or smile just by being your quirky self. I appreciate that about you.

Those are just a few things I love about you, which really doesn't begin to scratch the surface of all that is great about you. As your big sister, I learn from you consistently and I love you unconditionally.