No matter how old you get, you’ll always have a best friend. Or a mom. Definitely a mom, too. Being eleven years older than my younger sister, I have actually been mistaken for her mom. And yes, there have definitely been times I’ve felt like her mom. Nevertheless, a little sister is nothing short of a blessing.

Little sisters are our best friend. Sometimes, it does not seem like it, but you play a huge role in your big sister’s life. You’re our go-to for a friend. Always. Just as you look up to us, we look up to you. We want to be the best we can be to show you that you can be the best you can be. Little sisters are always there to make us feel like we are important. You're always there for a compliment, a hug, a laugh and most importantly, a friend.

She thinks you’re the world and her world is you. These moments make being a big sister the biggest gift.

Big sisters claim ownership over their little sisters. Don’t you dare hurt her, and don’t you dare disrespect her. Or you can count on her big sister to come running. Big sisters and little sisters share bonds and relationships that if you wrong her, her older sister will come after you like you wronged her big sister. Little sisters, always count on your big sister to come to the rescue, she has you back and you have hers. (Like that time you sneak in late and lie to Mom and Dad).

Being a big sister is like being a mom-in-training. There have been times I’ve punished my younger sister, there have been times I’ve made my younger sister dinner, there have been times I’ve picked her up from school, and there have been times I’ve substituted as our mom at school events. I’m a good amount of years older than my sister, and I would not change these experiences for the world. She consistently gives me something to look forward to, and makes everything so effortlessly gratifying.

What big sisters should really be doing is thanking their little sisters: for giving us someone to be a role model for, for giving us the opportunity to put someone before them first and for giving us a forever friend. You’re loved and sometimes taken for granted. We don’t say it, but we truly appreciate you in every form and in every way. You are our role models and our best friends. Don’t forget to remember that. We can’t wait for more boy talk, picking out outfits, painting nails, good times, and laughs. Love you to the moon and back… always.