My life has had lots of ups and downs, and my mom has worked her butt off to be sure our family had all that it needed. Through all the dark times and the tears, I realized one thing: God gave me a sister.

He gave me someone who is more beautiful and wonderful than I could ever be, and that's okay.

He gave me someone who radiates a strength that no one her age really has.

He gave me someone to dry my tears and hold me tight.

He gave me someone to love and support me in everything that I do in life.

He gave me someone to make me smile on my darkest days.

He gave me someone who is so smart and talented, but she can't even see it.

So here's to you sister. You may not believe it, but you are the smartest and most beautiful person I have ever met. I wish you could see how amazing you are. People meet you for five minutes and talk about you for five days. You leave people, and they can't stop raving about how lovely you are and the smile you brought to their face. You work your tail off for everything you have and through it all, you have always had my back. You love with everything you have, and you fight harder than anyone I know for the things that you believe in. There are days where we would fight or I would say that I hated you, but now I know that the best thing my mother ever did for me was to give me a sister like you. You have made me a better and stronger person, and you have given me so much love and kindness that I feel I will never be able to pay you back. Even though you are my baby sister, you have been there for me in every possible way.

Here's to you sister, I love and cherish you more than words could ever say.