Dear Little Sister,

In one week, six days and counting (AS TIME CONTINUES), you will be 13 years old. Happy Birthday! 13 is such a big number, you're officially a preteen. I hope you get everything that you want and have a wonderful day because you deserve it. I hope when you close your eyes and blow out your candles on your cake, your wish comes true.

I met you and our brothers when I was 14 years old. Truthfully I didn't know that I had any siblings because when I met you, it was my first time meeting our dad as well. But that day, I didn't just gain a father, I gained two more brothers, but also a little sister. I got you! You are my only sister.

You were born February 2, 2004. I had just turned nine years old the day before, unaware that I had a little sister. I mean, I didn't even know about my brothers either, but this article is for you. I know I wasn't there, and technically I am still not there physically. But emotionally, I am here for you. My door is always open.

I may be a state away, but I am only a call or message away. Our relationship isn't like the others because things happen. We didn't get to be raised together. I didn't get to see you grow up like I wished I could have. Things happen for a reason. And for that reason, I couldn't tell you. All I know is that I want you to be in my life forever and for as long as you want to be.

I haven't been there to teach you what sisters are supposed too. And I am truly sorry for that. It hurts that I am not there to whisper advice in your ears when you need it. So here it some of the things I would say if I was there right now. Close your eyes, Little Sister. Imagine that I'm right beside you, wherever you are, and we are going to have a nice little sisterly chat because I want you to know that I love you and that you will always find a listening ear in me.

First of all, even though you are turning 13, don't rush growing up please. Stay a child as long as you can. Have fun. Growing up isn't what it's all cracked up to be. Play with dolls, climb trees, doodle on your binder, and play pranks on our brothers or your friends. Being a kid is a good thing, trust me!

Next, you can do anything and be anything that you put your mind too. Don't ever let anyone, even family, put you down. If you want to be an astronaut (I don't know what you wanna be, we need to talk about these things), then strive to be an astronaut. Or strive to be whatever it is you want to be. Not even the sky, no space is your limit. Reach past the stars and grab a freaking planet because you deserve only the best. Nothing should stand in your way of that.

One of the most important things to remember is that it doesn't matter that we have different mothers, we share a father and that means we are sisters. We are blood. We are sisters forever. I love you and I will love you forever. No matter what you do, my love won't diminish. Yes, there will be times where I might be upset with you. But no one is perfect. And you will be upset with me, I'm sure. I might be the older sister, but I'm not perfect.

Finally, I just wanna say happy birthday one more time.

With Love,

Your Big SIster