As the year comes to a close, I think about all the people that I have spent it with. One of the people that immediately comes to my mind is my older sister. This past year has been a roller coaster for both of us. But we both survived. So here are just a few thank you's that I think she deserves to hear…

Thank you for being born first so you could take the brunt from our parents. I’ve been coasting through quite smoothly as the youngest.

Thank you for putting up with me when I was a brat. Actually, I am still a brat. I think my brattiest moment was definitely when I bit you three times when we were younger. At least I did not have rabies. So, you're welcome.

Thank you for making me laugh harder than anyone else can. You are still the only one who can get me to snort.

Thank you for helping me master my famous evil laugh. Even though it might be more obnoxious than evil, I always know that you appreciate it.

Thank you for being that one person that I can call after a day from hell. That one phone call will turn my entire day around.

Thank you for making it our joint goal to embarrass our parents in public. Because we have to make up for all those years they did it to us.

Thank you for also being a complete goofball with me in public even when our parents aren’t there. We don’t need anyone to embarrass. We have each other.

Thank you for teaching me not to care what other people think of you. If they don't want to be my friend, their loss. I'm a ball at parties.

Thank you for being there for me even when I didn’t say thank you. Until now.

Thank you for always listening and not judging me first when I have something to tell you. It’s rare to find someone like that nowadays.

Thank you for all your incredible pep talks. You can cover anything from boys to sports.

And most importantly, thank you for teaching me what true strength is. Strength is knowing what it is to truly suffer but still push through. To continue through this wild ride we call life. I would not have been able to hold on without you. You are the strongest person I will ever know. Even through all your struggles, you have stopped to help me with mine. You have taught me how to be strong. Strong for me and strong for others. There will never be enough I can do to repay you. I guess I can start by saying thank you.

And that I love you forever and always sister.