Distance, as many people know, can make or break relationships. I, myself, have experienced the toll distance can take on a relationship that seemed near perfection before miles led to downfall. One thing I didn’t contemplate when I moved less than an hour from home, was the affect distance has on relationships with my family, and more specifically, my sister. It wasn’t until I moved for college that I began to realize how important she is to me.

So, to you, the amazing, silly, and overall astounding person I call my sister.

Thank you for always putting up with my immaturity throughout high school and sticking by my side when I made stupid decisions. You got me through some of the toughest days at the end of my senior year just because you are always able to make me laugh.

Thank you for refusing to grow up. Your love for Legos and dinosaurs created puts light and laughter into each day. Getting a text from you about the new Disney movie you got in the mail makes me smile.

Thank you for making sure I got out of bed for work on the farm each morning and making the outrageously hot and cold days easier to bare. You’ve caught me when I passed out on a hot July afternoon and given up your gloves for me to save my fingers from frostbite.

Thank you for being the boyfriend I’ve always wanted. I would never trade the nights we went to dinner or to the movies because neither of us had plans on the weekends. Staying in on a Saturday night and watching The Office sounds better than any party.

Thank you for being as excited about my classes as I am. Our FaceTime conversations about my science classes are just as interesting to you as they are to me, which is appalling because chemistry is not as cool as I make it sound.

Thank you, most of all, for helping me become the person I am today. I know if everyone were to walk out of my life, I’d have you and you would be able to make everything seem okay. I am so proud to call you my big sister.