Since I can remember, my older cousin and I have been inseparable. When family vacation time rolled around we were so excited to see each other. We have always had each other's back, and can tell each other anything. We even have the same initials and call each other "CMJ squared."

Currently, she is an ocean away studying abroad and away from all of her family. So, in hopes to let her know I am thinking of her, I decided to write this letter of appreciation to the amazing cousin who is really like my sister.

Dear Colleen,

I miss you! I hope London is treating you well and you are traveling Europe and having the time of your life. Now that I have finally crossed the threshold into college, I look up to you and look to you for advice about all things much, much more. You have always been someone I have admired and your opinion has one I have always cared about. I do not tell you how much I appreciate enough and I am hoping this will make up for it some way. I just want to thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for me as my other half.

Thank you for being there no matter what. No matter what it was you were always there to pick me up, cry with me, yell with me, or laugh with me. You helped me through some of the worst friend break ups I have had. You help me navigate this thing called "dating" and you are a constant support system no matter what.

You gush about Pride and Prejudice with me when no one else has read the book OR watched the movie. You scream Knee Deep by Zac Brown Band off key with me like no one is listening. You help me pick the better outfit or the better picture to post on Instagram.

And, more recently, you are helping me distract myself from my boyfriend being gone at basic training for two months. You are constantly putting me in a great mood and turning my not so good days into better ones.

Thank you for being hard on me. Despite always having my back, you aren't afraid to tell me when I am wrong. You confront me if I am being mean or moody or just absolutely ridiculous. Like when we were younger and I would give you the silent treatment during vacation for absolutely no reason (still don't know why) you would talk to me about that.

You would tell me if I was being too over the top or if I needed to calm down. Or when I was boy crazy over someone and you would tell me I was just being ridiculous. Your honesty and criticism is something I am so grateful for. I wouldn't be half the person I am today without it.

Last, but certainly not least, thank you for being like the sister I never had. Growing up with three brothers, and you growing up with two, I think helped us have a stronger bond. We never had that sisterly connection inside our homes, so we were able to seek it in each other.

Thank you for being that sisterly figure that I didn't know I needed.

The long FaceTime calls and deep conversations about anything and everything mean the world to me. Even now, as I am writing this, I can't wait for the next call and to hear all about your study abroad adventures.

Colleen, you are one of those people in my life who I am so incredibly thankful for. You have been a constant figure in my life and have helped shape me into the person I am today. Thank you for all you have done for me and continue to do for me. I miss you terribly and I hope Europe is treating you well. See you soon love!

Love the other half of "CMJ squared,"

Caitlin :)