Dear Shireen,

I was originally planning on posting a graduation picture of us and writing you a celebratory paragraph, but honestly, I thought that this would be infinitely cooler. Because how many people can say that their older sister wrote an article for their graduation? I hope you brag about this to your kids someday...

All jokes aside, wow. You graduated high school Boof! I know it should be you who can't believe it, but truth be told, I'm the one who's still in shock! Sitting in that auditorium, looking out over the sea of shiny green and gold, and listening to Gail make yet another killer speech took me back to my own graduation. I remember how nervous I was, but at the same time, how excited (and how hot - this was JPS Graduation before the AC days). Its truly amazing how what happened two years ago feels like both a lifetime and a minute, something I'm sure you'll understand when we both get to watch Rakan graduate.

As I write this, I cannot help but flashback to the time when you were three and I was five, and we were waiting on line for a ride at Hershey Park. I was holding a stuffed animal that daddy had won for me, when this boy came out of nowhere and snatched it right out of my hands. I remember standing there, confused and unsure of what to do next, when all of a sudden, you walked up to him, took your thumb out of your mouth, yanked the toy out of his hands with an "Excuse me, but that is ours," and came back to stand with me, thumb back in your mouth. I know that as your big sister, I should be the one protecting you, but when it comes down to it, you've had my back all along.

Since then, you've blossomed into a beautiful, hilarious, intelligent young woman (though you've never lost your sassiness, toughness, and spunk), and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished so far in life. But above all else, I am even more proud of who you are as a person. You are fearless and warm individual, and I admire that about you more than I could ever say.

You did it. I know plenty of people have been telling you that, but I'm going to say it again: You. Did. It. You've made it Shireeno! You've tackled SATs, endless classes, JPS morning traffic, countless Spanish Honors Society meetings, lack of AC in most of the classrooms, few open restrooms, cafeteria food, college applications - everything! - and here you are. One chapter of your life has come to a close, yes, but a new one is about to open, and I am so excited for all that life has to offer you.

Keep sitting in that one spot on my bed, even if I'm not in the room. Keep calling me nicknames. Keep coming to my rescue when I make a wrong turn and we end up on the highway. Keep making me laugh when I cry, and cry when I laugh. But above all, just keep being you, because having you in my life, being your older sister is such a joy, and I couldn't imagine life any other way.

I love you,
Dyala