Dear Step Sister,
It's kind of crazy to think that we were just thrown into each other's lives. We weren't born into the same family, but rather brought together because of our parents' relationship. All of a sudden, I was meeting a person that was going to be in my life forever. My house became our home. We had no choice but to build a relationship and try to grow together in a healthy way.
I can honestly say, though, that I am beyond thankful both of our separate lives became one, because I cannot imagine my life without you.
We may not be related by blood, but that doesn't make you any less of a sister to me. It's so upsetting when people ask how many siblings I have, and when I explain my amazing family to them, I then I get corrected on my answer. Apparently, "step siblings don't count" when being asked about your family. But that's wrong. I know that's wrong. You are my family, you are my sister. You count. You count, and here's why:
I've known you since you actually thought that two plus two equals five. I was with you when you went through your awkward phase. I talked with you for hours at a time about boys you liked. I watched you grow into the incredible person you are today. I was there for every important milestone, from childhood to your young adult life. To me, that means we grew up together, the same way families that "count" do.
More important than being there to watch you grow was how much you taught me and helped me. You taught me that you can share a room with someone and not want to kill each other (most of the time). You taught me that your family members can also be your best friends. You taught me that it's okay to do goofy things in public. Your presence taught me to be open-minded to new people and situations. You taught me that you can't just walk away from something when it goes wrong. You taught me how to learn to love someone. You taught me that you don't have to be related by blood to love someone unconditionally. You helped me grow into the person that I am today. That is something I will be forever grateful and thankful for.
We are siblings. We share everything like siblings, we fight like siblings, and we love each other like siblings. We're not sisters by blood, but we're sisters nonetheless. In my book, you count. I don't care what other people say about us and our relationship, or how we came into each other's lives. All I know is you are here and I wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you for everything you've done for me.
Love,
Your Sister
