Having a sister can be both a blessing and a curse. Sisters are loud and obnoxious but can be the best friend you've been waiting for. There are going to be days when she is the most awesome person known to man, and other days when she makes you want to scream and cry, but that doesn't mean you love her any less.

Even though we've both grown up a little bit, you still are my little girl. (And you always will be.) As I've spent some time away from home, I've begun to look back and realize all the precious moments I've taken for granted. All the times you wanted to have sleepovers and makeup days, I never should've said no. (Don't worry, if mom is reading this to you, the next time you ask me to braid your hair, I will say YES!) So here are some memories I want to remind you of, so you know how important they were to me.

Talking to you and spending time with you, Brooklyn, is something I wish I could do more even though I'm so far away. Your birthday just passed, and I wish I could've been home to celebrate it with you! Seven is heaven, silly! I can't believe you've grown into this beautiful young lady.

I've never seen a girl with so much confidence like you. You stand tall and proud. Although I'm twelve years older than you, I look up to you, silly. I look at you, and I want to make myself better. Spending many days on the lake with you were some pretty awesome days. You may have fallen off the paddle board a time or two, but you were confident enough to go back out there and tackle the waves.

I've never understood where your love for bugs came from because I know I run in the opposite direction anytime I ever see something fly towards me. Thank you for all the times you come running at me with a bug in your hand even though I'm deathly terrified.

Our little lunch dates we have are great. I love spending time with my girl wherever she wants to go. (She never lets me choose, but it's okay.) There is never a dull moment with you in my life now. You keep me smiling at all times.

I appreciate all the times you let me be crazy with you. I didn't ask for you to come into this world, but now I wouldn't have it any other way. Brooklyn, you have been the greatest gift in my life, and I'm so thankful we get to share sister love with each other. I love you, silly. Don't you ever forget that.