Dear Siblings,

Yes the time you have "been waiting for" is here. High school graduation is over, summer is off in full swing and my bedroom floor is slowly becoming flooded with dorm decorations. Since day one of Senior Year you and I have been counting down the days until the next chapter of my life begins... for different reasons - but none the less, me leaving. What you don't realize is that I help you. A lot. In more ways than you think. I take the blame for leaving the TV on all night, I motion from the side when your back talking needs to stop because you're about to catch moms hand to the mouth and I always offer a ride home from games, practices, and birthday parties so your "cool sister" drives you away from the girls instead of your "cool mom" in her pj's because the party cut into her "Chopped" marathon. While being your older sister has some high points - I am honestly excited to see you tackle the lows on your own. I will no longer be there for you to point fingers at and my closet will no longer be a one stop shop (although I am sure you will take what I leave behind). While I have always LOVED taking the blame for you and missing my favorite sweatshirt, part of me isn't that sad about those things coming to an end. So while I pack my boxes and check off to do items make a list for yourself... All of thing things I won't be there to help you with daily.

Before I even get started the answer is no. No you CAN NOT have my room. Stop planning now. I will be home and I am not sleeping in the shoebox that you have... I am the oldest that's why.

1. When mom says to pick up your stuff... Pick it up. Even if you have never seen the item before and you aren't even for sure if it belongs to anyone in our house... Just pick it up.

2. I will not be home to come wake you up when your "alarm didn't go off" and mom has been yelling down the steps at you for 30 minutes. Actually set your alarm and do yourself a favor - lay out your clothes for the next day BEFORE you go to bed. Play it safe.

3. I am sorry that I won't be at every game to cheer you on or keep our parents from cheering a little too much. Just ignore moms constant yells to the mound and forget about dads "word of advice" for the refs. Just do your thing... the game will only last what? an hour and a half?

4. Stick together. You are now one short and they are no longer out numbered.

5. Sometimes it's best to keep to yourself.

6. Call me. I miss you already. Our inside jokes, group texts about mom or dad as they tell a story to us and even banging on my bathroom door while you're in the shower. Call to chat or call for help. Trust me - whatever you have done to make dad mad - I did well before you. I know how to help.

7. Little sis - mom does know what she is talking about. It could be the dress for the formal, how short to cut your hair, or what flavor ice cream to get - mom knows.

8. With that being said... remember that she knows. Everything. You will not get away with anything... so don't even try.

9. Spend nights at home. Family nights are rare and far between with our crazy schedule. Cherish them. Pick a movie, grab a board game, FaceTime me. Whatever it is you decide to do... Do it together.

10. Sibling dates are the best dates. Forget about the boy that made you laugh at lunch or the girl that just moved to town. Go get ice cream together. We are each others best friends. I promise you that.

So as I start the count down to move in day do me a favor and slow down. Stop growing and stop making it harder to do my job - doing it from two hours away is going to be hard enough. I know that we do not always see eye to eye but one thing stands true - the worst part of leaving home is having to leave you.

With love,

Your big sister.