Dear Sammy,

Hey! I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to you. I feel like it’s something I don’t say that often. Everyone always says how sisters are your built in best friend forever, but I can honestly say that I didn’t agree with that until recently. However, you were always there for me even when I didn’t see it. We grew up polar opposites; anyone who knows us can agree that’s true. You were the sporty one who always knew what you were doing and always had your life together, while I was the more artistic one who just kind of went with the flow. Such different individuals, yet growing up together made us the same. Without knowing it, we were programmed to love the same movies and music and we shared every important moment of our lives together.

Because we weren’t “friends” for a lot of our lives, we didn’t really know what was happening in the other person’s world. Yet, we unknowingly supported each other whenever the other one truly needed it. When I was betrayed or hurt by someone I loved, we’d watch a movie together or make brownies. It was something so simple. We never talked about it, but you were there to help me not feel alone. You were there to help me get through any awkward family function as my go-to person to talk to, and although this was kind of a given, it was incredibly painful to have to hang out with the “adults” when you left for college. You were always there for me even when I didn’t realize it.

I feel so lucky to have you as my big sister because you inspire me to be a better version of myself. I say this so genuinely because you’re the only person I know who has her life together so well. You are so hard working, and although I’ve never said this, I am incredibly proud and impressed at how diligent you were in your schooling. You make me want to work hard for my passions, even if they aren’t science or academic-based like yours.

Lastly, these past two years we became real friends. We fell into the cliche of both being away at school and taking the sister relationship to the next level. I feel so fortunate to have a friend like you in my life and I feel badly for anyone who doesn’t have a sister. You are better than a best friend because you’ve seen me at my greatest and at my worst. You will always understand me in a way that nobody else in the world could. You are understanding when I’ve had a bad day and I'm shut down and just want to be alone. These are all things that I will always be indebted to you for. And becoming friends with you has been the greatest experience because, let’s be honest, you’re super cool. You make me want to be like you everyday, but you also support who I am.

I don’t know where I would be in this life without the incredible support and love you give me every day. Thank you for everything you do.

xoxo,

Isabel