Oh, where do I even start? It's hard to imagine life without you all, mainly because I was too young to even remember my life before one of you came along, but also because I kinda sorta really love you guys. I can remember holding you as newborns and thinking how beautiful you were. I was terrified. Not out of jealousy but because I didn't want anything in the world to happen to you. I wanted to wrap you up in the baby blanket and never let you out of my sight. Now you are growing into your own people and have your own friends and doing all the things I did, but better.
I could spend this whole article talking about all the memories we have, like spending all day out in the fields running away from snakes and trying to survive all kinds of contraptions we had put together in the lofts of the barns. I'm not going to do that though because those are our memories and we deserve to have them to ourselves. I want to focus on giving you all some advice as you grow up and try to take on this crazy thing called life. I know we have had our fair share of fights, some with sharp objects, but there's nothing that compares to crying on your sisters' shoulder or laughing until you end up crying and everything in between. So I hope you can take what little advice I have to give and think of me when you need help as you grow up.
1. First off, laugh. Laugh a lot.
Even though we all have some unique* laughs, embrace it. Don't let anyone take that laugh away. Smile from ear to ear and don't be ashamed of that. There will be days when it feels like you can't smile and you can't laugh but remember, there is always a reason to smile. You might have to dig a little deeper on those days but there is a reason to smile and laugh every day.
2. Second, chase YOUR dream.
Find your passion in life. It might not come to you as soon as your friends but it will if you keep searching for it. If you are given the chance to pick a career that won't make it seem like a job, then go for it. Find the thing that makes you look forward to going to work. Now I'm not saying there won't be hard days when you won't want to work because there will be those days.
3. Third, don't lose your faith.
Gosh, I can't yell this loud enough. I will admit that there was a period of time where I lost my path and it showed. I wasn't happy, I was stressed and unproductive, along with many other negative feelings. I stopped talking to God and I just walked away and didn't even realize it. So listen to me when I say, DON'T LOSE YOUR FAITH. Talk to Him like you're talking to a friend, because that's what He is. He's the best one you'll ever have. Make that your strongest relationship and everything else will find it's place.
4. And lastly, remember that I love you.
I know it's different now that I don't live with you but I'm still your biggest fan. I know that the oldest sister is supposed to be the one that teaches the younger ones how to grow but it's the opposite for me. You all have taught me how to grow. I learned at a young age how to care for someone else. I learned how to be a mom in a way and I felt so mature for my age ever since I can remember. I want to do well in my life and lead a good path because I want to show you all that you can do this. You can take on life and make yours worth living. God made amazing things like the skies and the moutains, and there was a reason He thought to make you. Find that purpose and pursue it with all your heart.
