Dear Rachel,

Sixteen years ago God gave me the greatest gift: you. It seems I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that you are no longer a little girl. You loved princesses and fairies and making forts around our home. You loved swimming in our pool with those goggles that were bigger than your whole face. You had a fierce Polly Pocket collection and an unhealthy obsession for cheese curls.

Since we were planning your sweet sixteen, I’ve been feeling nostalgic about our childhood. It has made me realize you are longer a little girl. You have become so wise and mature over time. It has been an honor to watch you evolve into the beautiful young woman you are today.

Over the next few years you will encounter several challenges and life may not seem fair. As your sister, I will give you the best advice I have. I hope I am the person you turn to when you do not feel comfortable confiding in mom or dad. No one in this world is perfect and when you make a mistake I promise to never judge you.

You have a great head on your shoulders and you were meant to do amazing things in this life. I wish you all the success in your future endeavors. Your ambitious personality alone will take you further than you’ve ever imagined.

I know being a few years apart causes conflict between us sometimes. However, it seems over the last few years we have found common ground. I live for the relentless hours we spend watching One Tree Hill, or our spontaneous Starbucks dates. No one knows how to rack up a bill at Ulta or Sephora like we do. Let it be known, there is no one I would rather fangirl with over Sam Hunt or Luke Bryan. I apologize for all the times I embarrassed you in the car while I blared my favorite Selena Gomez song and sang at the top of my lungs. Not only are you my sister, but my best friend. You are the person I confide in and look to for a good laugh.

When a boy broke my heart or my best friend walked out of my life you held me and just let me cry. While I may be the more sensitive one, I want you to know that your strength is admirable. You have shaped the person I’ve become today. The difference in our personalities is what makes us a great team. You know what makes me happy and what makes my blood boil.

I apologize for all the times I wasn’t the bigger person. The fights that led to slammed doors and words we wish we could have taken back are a part of growing up together. If I seem frustrated or upset, I will always attempt to see the situation from your perspective. Each day I strive to best version of myself.

I want to be the best role model for you and I hope that I have made you proud. You are a beautiful, intelligent, confident woman that has so much to offer in this world. I am glad to call you my sister. May your sixteenth birthday be as fabulous as you! I love you to the moon and back.

Love,

Your biggest fan.