Not everyone is as lucky as I am to have someone like you.

Not everyone is lucky enough to grow up with a best friend under the same roof.

Not everyone gets to have a sleepover every night.

Not everyone gets to share everything from dreams and a bedroom, to toys and a wardrobe.

Not everyone has someone to constantly bicker with. Someone to fight with over trivial matters, but also there to turn around and punch anyone who offends the other.

Someone who shares in an unspoken mission to drive their parents absolutely crazy.

Someone who makes long distance so incredibly hard.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have you.

You've made a bigger impact on my life than you will ever know.

You've helped me to grow as a person, through hard times meant to tear us apart. Whenever I need help figuring something out, you're always there to lend a hand and tell me how obvious the answer is.

These past couple years have been incredibly difficult; our family facing trial after trial. You've taken on some very adult responsibilities and accomplished things that no one should have asked of you.

Throughout all this time, your faith has never faltered. You never forgot the reason behind all your actions. You never failed to show what it truly means to be a young woman of Christ. You allow the Lord to shine through you in everything that you do, allowing others to encounter Him through you

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These next few years will be hard. You will grow as a person in ways you never knew you could.

You will enter into new and daring adventures; discover things you never knew you never knew.

Please don't forget where you've come from. Every person and every experience you have encountered has shaped you into the person you are today.

Don't forget where you're going, your goal, your final destination. Life can hit you hard, and it's easy to get turned around, confused, and lose sight of what is important.

Please remember that I am always here for you. I will always have time to share secrets and adventures. I'm always ready for trips to QuikTrip, cold pizza and documentaries, or chick flicks and mint chocolate chip ice cream. I'll always have time for your turtle and 'murica obsessions.

I am so lucky to have you in my life, and I am so very grateful that God has made you exactly the way you are. I cannot wait to see what plans He has in store for you. Know that you are always in my prayers and that I love you more than words could ever explain.

Happy Birthday little sister!