Firstly, I want to say how proud I am of who you are already and who you have the potential to become, because that person is beautiful and strong and smart. Believe it, please do. I hope you read this now, and read it in the future, so that even when I'm not physically there, I'm this letter, or a phone call away. Always. So here's a little bit of advice for along the way.

Look up the song My Wish by Rascal Flatts, mom will want you to. She always told me this song was her song to me, and I want you to know she most likely wants you to listen to it too. Listen to the words, and listen to it whenever you're in a rough patch. As for me, I have a song for you as well. Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift is the song from me to you, because I never want the world to extinguish that flame of youth and innocence in you. Listen to this whenever you may miss me, or whenever life's getting you down.

Appreciate everything around you. Mom, dad, us, and the world around you, as you start embarking on your journey of growing up. Look away from the technology, take it all in, and enjoy what you see. Go on adventures, and stand up for what you believe in.

Don't take anything, or anyone for granted. Family and friends especially. Nobody should have to go through the pain of losing two grandparents, let alone by the age of 10. But always know this, they're always with you, in your heart, and they'll always be watching over you. Don't dwell on the negative, remember all the lovely memories and hold them close to you forever.

Listen to what mom and dad have to say, because guess what, they're most likely right. As you get older you'll want to argue with them more and more each day, but that's because you're growing older, and learning to become more independent. But don't. Don't argue with them, say okay and go about your day, because they only want what's best for you, and deep down inside you know that as well. Be independent, but not too independent, because mom may get sad if her youngest stops needing her anymore.

Spend as much time with them as possible. Every chance mom gives you to do something with her, take it. Because you'll miss all those opportunities in the future when you go off to school.I know that's a ways away for you, but start as early as possible. Don't argue with your brother as much either. He may be a brat sometimes, and not wanna hangout sometimes either, but that's okay, you probably embarrass him every now and again, like he does to me. But he loves you, and he always will. Chances are, he'll be the big brother that always looks after his little sister, so lean on him when you need him, but know I'm always here as well, along with mom and dad.

Don't cave in to peer pressure, please. Chances are it may be fun in the moment, but the end results and consequences aren't. Don't cave in to the standards of society either. Be the quirky, funny you we all know and love. Don't change just because everyone else is, unless it's for the better. You as an individual are amazing and unique, and don't think less of yourself just because you may be different. You'll probably be bullied by somebody, and it'll probably happen more than once. That's okay, because as mom says, that person's probably just jealous of you. Brush it off sweetheart, they don't matter.

Boys are stupid, always and forever. No matter what age you are, they're stupid. Don't even begin to worry about boys until high school, and even then, don't worry about it too much. Because you have so much more to worry about than a boy that probably won't be in your future.

Lastly, I'd like to thank you for reminding me of all these life lessons, because I need them just as much as you do. You keep me young, and remind me to be my own individual, and to just remember to take a step back and have some fun every once in a while. So thank you for being you, and for being the best little sister I could have ever wanted and then some. I wish I could be there more to watch you grow up, and experience life for yourself, but when I'm here up at school, I'll always be with you in spirit.

I love you forever,

Your Big Sister