Dear Sissy,

I don't take enough time to tell you how much you really mean to me. You've been there my entire life and supported every choice I've ever made, even if it was the wrong one. You have done so much for me and in return I feel like I can't hold a candle to you. Having you as a sister makes me not only the happiest, but also the luckiest woman in the world.

I remember not wanting a sibling at all. I loved being an only child because all the attention was on me. I remember being so happy when I found out you were going to be a sister and not a brother. You were my first little sister. You'll always be my first little sister and that's something that no one can take away. I know I don't tell you enough that I love you. So sissy, I have a few things I need to tell you.

I am so proud of you. You have grown up to become such a strong and powerful woman. Every day you surprise me more with how much you can accomplish. I know that being the older sister, I should be the one to motivate you, but you push me to be the best I can be. I look up to you. You have achieved so much already in your 18 years and I can't wait to see what more you can do. I remember being so proud of you for learning to walk, then to talk, and then when you first started basketball. I didn't think I could be any more proud, but here I am seeing you now, prouder than ever. You have such a great head on your shoulders.

I am always here when you need me. I know we don't live with each other any more and we both have our own lives, but I will always be here. I don't care if it's 3:00 in the morning or 4:15 on a Tuesday, I will answer that Facetime call and listen to everything you need to say and be there for you. I will drive 45 minutes if you needed me just to give you a hug and let you know it will all be okay. You're my sissy and if you're not okay, I am not okay. I feel sad when you are sad and I feel happy when you are happy. No matter what, I want you to know I will be there for you. Day or night. I will never be too busy for you, even when I am at my busiest.

I look up to you. Even though you are my little sister, I want to be like you. I want to be more relaxed and calm like you. I want to be more open and loving like you. I want to be less anxious and bubbly like you. I want to be more forgiving like you. You are hilarious, sweet, caring, and all around beautiful. You're beautiful inside and out. You just have something inside you that shines. You heart is made of pure gold. I may not be into some of the activities you enjoy and I may not like the same clothes that you do, but you have so much about you that I envy.

I love you so much. I know that sometimes I don't show it and I definitely don't say it, but I do. We have been through so much together-- heartbreaks, sadness, happiness. You were there for some of the hardest times in my life and I can never thank you enough. I will never forget the little things you have done for me. There's just something about that big heart of yours.

Just remember sissy, you changed my life in ways that you can't even imagine. You aren't just my sister. You are my best friend in the entire world and I don't know what I would do without you.

I love you.

Love,

Your Big Sister