I know I'm not the sappiest person, but I am today. Get ready to be embarrassed.

Dear lil' sis,

I wanted to write a letter telling you that you have no idea how amazing you are. We might argue once in a while, and I might not see you as much while I'm at school, but there are some things you need to know. I want to use this letter to tell you all the hopes I have for you.

I hope you realize soon just how gorgeous you are. At thirteen, I know that the "basics" at your school are constantly telling you that you aren't good enough, and not even in a direct, verbal way. I know they'll make you feel like you aren't skinny enough, or tan enough, or rich enough.

Well lucky for you, you've had three older sisters to help you perfect that impressive sense of fashion you have, and to teach you to never wear blue eyeshadow, and the difference between a sassy rather than slutty outfit. Sure, you might feel gorgeous when you wing your eyeliner and your contour is on fleek, and it's true, I'm kind of mad that you're better at it than me, but your beauty is so much more than that. Don't let the girls that are average with a surplus of money or lack of body fat make you feel less than average. You are at the top of the ladder.

I hope you realize just how amazing your personality is. You have a great sense of humor with an infectious laugh that improves the atmosphere around you. You have a strong moral compass and always stand up for the little guy. You're so in touch with your feelings and express them so well. (This trait might seem expected from a thirteen-year-old, but yours is different, more mature.) You have determination like I've never seen and compassion that I wish I could borrow.

I hope you will see every person as an equal. Especially where we're from, this isn't common. You already see beyond race, gender, and wealth. But please, remember that everyone has struggles in their life, and everyone faces heartache. Listen when people share their struggles. Use your amazing compassion with everyone you speak to, including the snooty girl in class. You wouldn't imagine what some people go through with their parents telling them to put on a smile and act like their lives aren't falling apart. Everyone has family; everyone dies; everyone cares about someone.

I hope you never have to get your heart broken. I know that one day it will happen, but I don't want to see it. Mostly because the boy might face serious bodily harm, but more because you don't deserve it. Aside from love, don't let people break your heart by making you feel unimportant. Don't let anyone shatter your dreams. Always believe in yourself. You treat other people with so much respect (other than me that is), and no one ever better take advantage of your loving nature.

On the same note, I hope you fall in love. I hope you get the world handed to you from someone who sees you on a pedestal. I hope you never have to love someone who doesn't love you back, and I hope your person loves you more than the sun. You are so easy to love, and I won't stand for any disrespect towards you.

I hope you develop a great relationship with God. At your age, you will be making important life decisions sooner than you think. Let the Lord guide you down the path he has prepared. Go to him for comfort. Pray when you don't know the answers to social problems you face. Listen when he shows you signs. Don't work yourself dry trying to achieve something the Lord doesn't want for you.

I hope you learn how to deal with our dysfunctional family. I wish you understood why I sided with mom sometimes. I hope you never have to deal with the same issues your three older sisters did. I hope you are given the resources to do whatever sports, hobbies, and dream chasing you can come up with.

I hope you know how much I love you. I hope you know that I love spending time and joking around with you. I hope you know how fiercely I would protect you and how hard I cheer for you. I am so proud of you for being so determined and reaching your goals so far. You are the perfect balance between a social butterfly and humility. I know for a fact that you will be successful in school, sports, love, and life. You inspire me every day, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Xoxo,

Big Sis