To my sister with Down Syndrome,

Baby. Sister. Down Syndrome. These were the three details I was given about your identity. I had no idea what Down Syndrome was but I was just happy to be getting a sister.

I never knew how much you would change my life. When I tell people about you, I tend to use the word miracle. That is what you are. You opened my eyes to a whole new world I never saw coming.

One thing you showed me was that anything is possible. Who ever thought you would make it to first grade, and be in a regular classroom? I never doubted you, but most people don't have the success that you do. Who knew you would be able to speak as clearly as you do? We had no idea what type of kid we would get, but I would say we lucked out and got a pretty great one. I honestly don't know how you do it kid, but keep striving for greatness.

Another thing I learned was perseverance. As derogatory and disrespectful as it may be, people always use the term "retarded" when referring to those with Down Syndrome. You never let that get in the way. Even when times are hard, you strive to get to the top. All those hours of me writing words on the dry erase board for you to practice has payed off; I can't believe you can read whole sentences now. The other day, when I tried to teach you how to ride a bike, you didn't quite get it at first. But we stayed out there until you learned to pedal on your own. The next day, we worked on steering. Finally, braking.There will be hardships that you will have to get through, but remember I'm always there for you. Even though it may take you a while, keep climbing those mountains.

Also, let people stare. Let people stare at the little girl who has surpassed the odds. Let them look at my girlie who has changed my life. If they gave you one second, you'd have their hearts. Yes, when you fall to the ground and refuse to get up at the store, it's embarrassing. Lots of people stare and make rude comments. Who cares? If they want to be ignorant towards someone miraculous like you, let them. Who needs them anyway?

I'll never forget the lady in the waiting room at my dermatologist appointment. You weren't even being bad, just being yourself. Talking our ears off, making up stories in the children's books, and moving around constantly. She kept giving us dirty looks and snickering. I didn't notice until mom said, "If she looks over here one more time, I'm going to snap." Luckily, she left and we never saw her again. She showed me that people just don't get it. Most people won't, but someday they might. You just have to keep being you.

There are going to be people in your lifetime that want to bring you down: don't let them. Or if they do, call me and I'll handle it. People want to see you fail because you are different. To me, you aren't any different than the kids you sit next to in class. If people tell you that you can't, prove them wrong and say, "I will." I think you have something really special about you. You have something extraordinary about yourself: flaunt it.

When I go to college this fall, I don't know what I'm going to do without you. Seeing your contagious smile, hearing you go on and on for hours about school, and most importantly our weekly trips to Target. You make life a new adventure everyday. Without you, life would be boring. There is never a dull moment with you, and one more thing I've learned is that silence can mean trouble. One of my favorite memories, is when you locked the bathroom door, and all of a sudden there was a pool of water on the floor. That's when I really learned that silence is bad.

Last but not least, I love you to the end of the universe: never forget that. There will never be a day that goes by over the next four years that I won't miss you. Keep moving mountains. I've got your back.

Love,

Your biggest fan, partner in crime, life-long best friend, and most importantly older sister.