Growing up, I always wanted a sister. I don't know if that's something that all little girls long for, or just me. Don't get me wrong, I have a brother, and I love him dearly. I can't imagine my life without him. He was my first partner in crime, my go to play mate and companion, and is one of my best friends. I wouldn't want any other sibling. Still, I loved the idea of a sister.

Like an answer to a prayer, God gave me you.

We became friends because our families were friends, and what else were we going to do but hang out while our brothers ran wild and our parents talked? I may be three years your senior, but none of that mattered as our bond deepened over the years. Age is just a number, and not an important one when you've been lucky enough to stumble across and kindred spirit in this great, wide world. I became your confidant, your sounding board, your conspirator. And you became mine. We grew up together, watching each other triumph and make mistakes, and both learning from them.

I am so proud of you and the young woman you have become. I may have been your role model growing up, but I hope you know that I aspire to be like you, too. You've taught me how to be brave, kind and how to never give up, just as much as I've taught you. You inspire me every day to love and to love deeply, even when it hurts. Because you never know what people are going through, and that might be all they need to change their world.

I truly don't know what I would do without you, your advice (good and bad) and your endless love and support. You always have my back, and I know you will always stand up for me, as I will for you. I can't imagine my life without you, and I don't want to.

We may not be sisters by blood, but we are sisters at heart. We act like sisters, think like sisters, talk like sisters and even look like sisters. In fact, sometimes I even introduce you as my sister because I forget that by technical standards, we aren't related. The funny thing is, most people don't even question it.

Wherever this world takes you, just know that you'll have a "big sister" who will stand with you, no matter what. Live your dreams, Sissy, because the world is your canvas. Anyone who doubts you doesn't know what's coming, but I do. Spread your wings, little bird, and fly. This is only the beginning.

With much love,

Sissy