Sisters are the best friends we were forced to have from birth. Stolen shirts and 2 a.m. calls are all part of the package, and you wouldn't have it any other way. To honor that special bond, sisters Instagram photos with captions filled with inside jokes or roast them via family group message or get super personalized gifts. I can do two of those three things for my sister's special day. I’m a broke college student, what can I say? To make up for it, I’ll write her an article.

So, Kristin, this is for you! Happy birthday, my love.

To My Dearest Sister,

Happy Birthday!! Before I hear you complain, you're not old. You're 26-years young. Sorry if you didn't want the world to know but now they do. Whoops. Where did the years go? I sound like Mom, I know. But really, it still feels like yesterday that we shared a bright pink room, despite your negative feelings toward the color. Right there proves just how generous you are. I was younger, had way less say, and yet you still let me pick the color of our room. That stayed on the walls. For years. Now that I look back on it, I maybe cried until I got it, and maybe Mom and Dad made you settle, but in my 5-year-old mind, you took that defeat gracefully and yet meticulously used it as your upper-hand from there on out. I admire that cunning mind of yours.

It's a tired phrase but sometimes there are no other words: I truly don't know what I would do without you. From talking Mom out of grounding me on NYE my junior year of high school to oh-so-kindly allowing me to follow around you and your friends like a puppy dog for years to letting me crash on your couch for 10 days with a sprained ankle to our midnight glow stick mojitos in Paris and everything in between, I wouldn't take a moment back for anything.

You've taught me everything I know. Maybe not literally, but you certainly reinforced everything. I have a deep love for the literary world because your enthusiasm for every new book you read is unmatched. I understand patience because the tenacity you had while dealing with Kevin and me physically fighting, day in and day out. I'm in a constant state of wanderlust because you taught me how to appreciate the rarity and beauty of traveling. I am independent because you have always showed me that being able to stand on your own isn't a sign of weakness, but instead a sign of strength. Though I'm stubborn sometimes, I understand forgiveness because the endless second chances you have given me.

I'm getting corny here, but you're my inspiration every single day. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears that you put into every single thing you do is simply incredible. I love bragging about all the fun, hard work you do at your job. I realize that nothing you've accomplished came easily. You worked tirelessly to be where you are and only good things are in your future. You're the reason I want to keep doing well at school and find a job that someone else can brag about (Mom).

So, happy birthday, sister. I love you for all your quirks, your rough attitude after a night out, massive heart and for always looking at me as a sister and best friend. You're my other half, and I couldn't be more thankful.

Love,

Your Little Sis