I think we can all agree that sisters are the best-worst thing to happen. Whether you're the feisty younger brother who ate all of her leftovers, or the tenacious so-called princess that she teased all growing up: sisters are our friends, even if we don't realize it.

My older sister on the other hand, wow is she an amazing woman. Certainly though, I did not think that growing up -- but who does really? We fought over the bathroom, we disagreed on who was the cutest member of the Jonas Brothers, and we cried together when Curious George was stuck on the steam ship all alone. And as everybody told us in our adolescence and further, we actually are doing just fine now. Minus a few disagreements here are there, I would never be the young lady I am now without the help of my older sister.

So thank you.

She taught me acceptance above all things. She believes in acceptance of everyone, no matter what. First and foremost, she taught me acceptance of myself. Because let me tell you, I did not have it easy growing up (but who does?)

She taught me unconditional love. I always say my love for people is unconditional no matter the circumstance. I learned that from her. Any time I messed up, failed miserably, or just wanted to cry about some stupid middle school boy, she was always there to tell me she loved me.

She taught me how to laugh at myself. We're silly, the both of us. We make inappropriate jokes to each other from across the table and we never take anything too seriously.

She taught me perseverance and trust. My God, has she been through so much. I could never imagine being in her shoes, but she's one of the strongest women I know. She always puts her family first and sticks it out even through the darkest of nights. She taught me how to be strong even when I can't imagine anything else but darkness. She taught me how to trust my instincts. She taught me how to be me.

And lastly, (but not least), she taught me sisterhood -- something I could never learn from any of my friendships. My sister and I are the definition of sisterhood. We fight, we break up like sisters do, but at the end of the day we always have each other's backs. And yeah, we disagree on a lot of things and sometimes it gets in the way of the bigger picture, but I know that she loves me and I love her. Forever and ever.

She is my other half. I love her so much and I regret not telling her as much as I should. Even so, she always be my big sis and I will always be the punk who takes her shirts, and then claims them as my own.

Love you, sis.