Hey sis, remember those shorts you begged me to borrow last month? Can I have them back now, please?

Just kidding. But I expect them in my bedroom by the time you finish reading this.

Dear little sister, life with you has been quite the adventure. We've laughed, cried, sang, and danced together through the most difficult of times. From the day you came into this world, I should've known that I had just met my best friend for life. Even though you looked relatively like a screaming, crying, oversized kidney bean, the girl you have grown into today blows my mind. You are strong, motivated, and hardworking, and you're incredible at everything you set your mind to. I know sometimes I'll wake up in the morning and you're already outside, juggling a soccer ball or shooting hoops. And while I'm sitting inside reading or eating (usually eating), you're still out there working, sweating, and increasing your soccer-ball-juggling record to three times what it had been just a couple mornings before. Between your sports and your academics (which you're always working on to maintain your straight A averages), you never let anything get in the way of your success. That said, you sometimes get what you want a few too many times...I somehow always end up lending you shirts, shoes, and skirts I hope to eventually see again, but usually don't. Besides the fact that mom is sometimes more lenient on you, I guess there are some things that I really am always going to have to let slide as your "younger sibling privileges", even though I don't really want to.

On a different note, however, I just want to tell you that even though I won't admit it to your face, you're probably the best friend I've ever had. Even though we get sideways sometimes, we always work it out, and, like it or not, we're stuck with each other for life. You are much braver than I because you learned (mostly from me, unfortunately) what NOT to do in a multitude of situations. However, I know that sometimes you may feel under-appreciated or looked over, even though you really shouldn't. Having an older sister can be hard because you can get stuck living in her shadow. You can think people only know you by "oh wait, are you ______'s little sister?!" But I will tell you this - you are in no way within my shadow, little sister. You have far surpassed me and created a growing influence of your own; a huge "shadow" filled with friends and love and kindness, inspiring those around you to get up and take action. Now go out and conquer the world, as only little sisters like you can do. I love you.

Love,
Me