Well, this will be your first time without me. It will almost be like you are an only child for the first time ever, but don’t forget about me. I said almost.

You becoming my little sister was such a pivotal moment for me. I was so excited for you to enter our family and I could not have imagined it being anyone but you. We grew up together. We have experienced such highs and lows throughout our lives and we have got through them together and continue to be there for one another. You are my dearest friend and will always be my go-to girl. You are always the soldier helping me get through the battles of life and that is why I want to give you these little pieces of advice as I depart to my next chapter of life.

As you start to finish up school in these next few years, I want you to know that I am always going to be here for you. Whether it be by phone call, text, or driving down and just being with you, I will never fail to let you down. High school is hard and I do not just mean the book work. Do not be intimidated by the people who try to mess with your character. Nobody can mold your character accept you. You are in charge of your life. This is the time to find your true friends, to figure out what you want to do after graduation, and to live life the way you want to. I am not going to be there to monitor you anymore (even though I wish I could because that is what big sisters are for), but please be safe in everything that you do. Like I said, you control your life so that means that you also control how people see you. Hangout with people that will build you up to be a better you and always make time for family.

I know that growing up in a divorced family is difficult and I am not going to be around every day to be with you or drive you from one house to the other. Cook with mom, go camping with dad, and play with our little animals because once you leave for college you will miss them just as much as I do already. You will be getting your license soon and that scares me to death because I worry about you every minute of each day. Be very careful and try not to hit groundhogs like me.

I am going to miss you so much. Who is going to be there to comfort me when I had a bad day and am crying on my bed at 3 A.M.? Who will I catch up on tv shows like The Bachelorette or Awkward two weeks after they premiere? Honestly though, you are always going to be my number one. I am so blessed to have you as my little sister. I will always protect you and have your back. Do not forget to come visit me and I will surely be home to see you. I expect texts from you every day to see how things are going because you know I am overly protective of you. Have fun and live life to its’ fullest potential like I know you will.

Love you always,

Your Big Sis