You are my sister and my best friend.

I never had a sister. Somehow, God blessed me about ten years ago. We may not be blood, but we are family. You are the one I come to with laughs and tears, no matter how mad I may be at you.

I wish I could write a book to tell you all the things I have learned in my short time in life. Okay, well maybe not a book, but you get where I'm going. I want to tell you about all the good and turn you away from the bad.

I wish I could take away all of the hurt, anger, drama, and frustration that you are going to experience. It is an awful feeling knowing there is going to be so much happen in your life that I can't stop.

There will be heartaches that will make you think you are going to die, but you won't. You will power through the pain. I know you can. I've seen it. You're strong.

There will also be many laughs. I see you always having a smile on your face, even when you are miserable at softball practice. You know how to have fun. You've even taught me some things along the way.

I may be 21 and you may be only 17, but you have helped me through so many obstacles in my life. And the fact is that I don't even think you realize that you do. You are my shoulder if I need to cry. You are my shield when I need protection from the world. You are my "Jeff Dunham" when I need a laugh.

I know I tell you like maybe once a year, on your birthday, how special and important you are to me, but I needed to tell you an extra time this year. Next year, you will be transitioning into your first year of college. And I don't feel like that is okay. You should really stop growing up now.

I know sometimes it's hard that I am away at college. You will never admit it, but you need your big sister occasionally. I will openly admit that I need my little sister more times than I can count on both hands and feet.

We used to fight constantly, with our words, our fists, our teeth (remember that one?). Slowly, we have started fighting less. Of course, we don't get along all the time, but I think we are better than you and David. I honestly think that since I have been away at Judson the last few years, we have grown closer. We both learned what it meant to miss each other. I miss you more than you will ever know.

So I know this is really sappy, but I just really wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you.

I also want to tell you how proud I am of you. You never stop trying to do your best. You always strive to be better than the day before. I want you to shoot for the stars. Never stop trying to be the best possible version of yourself.

Like I said before, I wish I could block all the bad that is going to be in your life, but that will shape you into an amazing person (even though you are already pretty amazing!). I can't take it all away, but I will be there for you whenever you need me, whether you're 18 or 80.

I am so incredibly thankful to have you to call you a little sister. You are more than I could ever ask for. I could not do life without you. I LOVE YOU!!