As a 3-year-old little girl, I prayed every night that God would give me a baby sister to love. He answered my prayer in the biggest way possible. I had no idea what a blessing it would be to have a little tag-along in my life; but with every day that passes, I realize more and more what she means to me.

Since the day she was born, I've had little eyes looking up at me, watching my every move. She walked like me and talked like me. (Thank goodness she doesn't dance like me). I've always tried my best to be the perfect role model for her and lead her in the right direction in life. What she doesn't know is that I have always looked up to her just as much.

I've learned a great deal from her over the past 17 years. She has taught me how to laugh about everything in life and how to take things with a grain of salt. She's the most carefree person I know. From her I learned not to pay any attention to what people think about me. She taught me that if I want something, I need to ask for it. The worst answer I can get is "no." I've learned to fight for what I love. Despite the fact that sometimes I think she needs a filter, she's taught me to speak my mind. She's shown me kindness and love and compassion in more ways than I can describe.

Even though our relationship has most definitely had it's ups and downs, as do all sibling relationships, it keeps things interesting. We've spent countless hours fighting over who was going to take a shower first or who was going to ride in the front seat of the car (which was always me, by the way). Picking on each other always led to wrestling which led to laughing until we couldn't breathe. To this day, we still steal each other's clothes. Except maybe now it's more like sharing. Honestly, we couldn't be any less alike; sometimes we fight more than we get along, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Having a little sister is a constant reminder that I never have to go through life alone. She's my biggest cheerleader, my best friend, my saving grace. She's one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that God has ever put on this earth. There is nothing I wouldn't do for her. I can't fathom the idea of not having a baby sister because mine is my hero.

I am so grateful that God answered my prayers. My little sister inspires me to be a better person each and every day. I couldn't make it through one day of this life without her, and that's why she is my biggest blessing.