Since I went to college, we haven't talked very much. Classes and jobs keep our days busy, homework and friends occupy our free time through the week. When I can make it home on the weekends, it's a hit and miss if we see each other. Sometimes I don't know I'm coming home until the morning of. So, you have plans made, and the day is too hectic to sit down and talk.

But you ask me to go prom dress shopping. You work it around my schedule.

When I went prom dress shopping, I went with friends, picked it out, and showed mom a picture of the one I wanted. But you, you want our presence. In the end, it'll be your decision but you chose to make us a part of it. My prom was small, a group of homeschoolers in fancy clothes. Yours will be a high school event. With more people and better music. Your date will match his tie with your dress, all I did was pick the right jewelry for mine.

I don't get to tell you often, I wish I could; you're beautiful.

You, my sister, you are a gorgeous young lady with a radiant smile. Your style matches your personality: a mix of independence with a hint of creativity. Your prom dress will be nothing short of perfect for you. Whatever color, whatever cut or design, it will reflect who you are better than any words I could write. You are already regal, with the heart of a princess and the integrity of a queen. No matter the shine or sparkle on your gown, your presence will glow brighter. Your beauty isn't just skin-deep.

We may fight and yell, kick or scream with fierce words, but it's just a loud representation of how much we care. We laugh together, we've cried and all the other cliches combined. When prom ends, and the evening fades, my appreciation, respect, love, and awe for you will remain.

You are powerful. You are intelligent. You are talented. You have worth. Your spirit is a force like no other.

No matter how radiant you look on prom night, to me, your whole being is beautiful and unique; every day.

Enjoy the evening. Laugh, love, live, and dance. Make the night one to look back on. And when we look back one day at the pictures taken, we will smile. In my mind, I'll remember how important it was to you that I was there to help pick it out. To me, it's astonishing how important my presence is to you. I'm honored that you love me and that my opinion is valued. You, my dear, will be the one to have my respect and love, regardless of whatever happens in our lives. You'll shine on prom night, that's a given. But to me, you'll always shine.