First, please know that I love each and every one of you so very much. The times that we have shared are times I will never forget. From driving you home after church on Sundays to having dance parties in the kitchen as we wait for our cupcakes. Every moment we spend together will be cherished in my heart until the end of time. In the last 3 years I have come to know you more than you will ever realize. I know when you are sad. I know when you are happy. I know when you are lying (some of you more than others). I know what excites you. I know what type of foods you like and what food you refuse to eat. I know you because I love you. I am not your mom and I am not your sister. But you ARE my kids.
I would do anything for you goons. Absolutely anything. You want me to drive all the way to Chicken Express for your birthday? Done. You need a ride to practice or to church? Done. You need help with homework? Done. Your mom needs me to drive her intimidating van? Done. I know those are all small, mundane things, but trust me when I say I would take a bullet for you in a heartbeat.
I never had sisters growing up and I can honestly say, you girls have fulfilled that role. You make me happy. You drive me crazy. You give me a reason to laugh. You always give the best hugs.
We all know that some days are better than others. Some days I get a chicken nugget thrown at my head. Some days I have to wrestle a 2 year old to put their pants on. Some days at least one of you won’t stop screaming. Some days I have to run around the house looking for you because you are ‘too good’ at hide and seek. While we may have our rough days, the good days far outweigh any other.
You girls may not understand what you mean to me and that’s okay. The person you have made me is a person I never knew I could be and I just wanted to thank you for that. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for making me a role model. Thank you for making me feel like an older sister. Thank you for making me know what it is like to love with my entire heart. Thank you for making me a happier person. Thank you for making me more patient than I ever was. Thank you for making my heart whole. Thank you for making it easy to laugh. Thank you for making me who I am. You have truly changed my life. For that, I am forever grateful.