For the sister who moved so very far away, I made a list of the things you should know while you’re gone. I’m sure you already know, but sometimes it’s nice to have it written out. These are some things I have noticed and some things I have thought about since you moved.

1. It is so quiet

I don’t think I realized how loud we laughed and talked until you left. I miss the noise-- the quiet is weird when you aren’t used to it. It’s weird not having someone to be weird with. I felt my most comfortable around you and I, as a generally quiet person, was able to be obnoxiously loud with you.

2. I have always looked up to you

You are always a step ahead of me and seeing what you have accomplished helps me to find my way in the world. I know I must have been the annoying baby sibling who followed you around, but you were always so nice and generous to me that I never felt like I was a bother to you. You showed me all the good things in the world and protected me the best you could from all the bad. I am who I am today because of you.

3. You are my best friend

We fight a lot, but it is actually impossible to stay mad at you. With us, it has almost never taken a verbal apology to get back to our usual selves after a fight. If someone says something funny, you’re the first person I want to tell. If there’s a funny picture on Facebook, you are the person I share it with. It’s hard with you gone, but we’re still the best of friends of course.

4. I miss you a lot

We’re both growing up now and I don’t think either of us likes it very much. I miss the days we spent playing stupid games and making funny videos. Life is so different without you here, and I know when you come to visit it will feel as though nothing had changed this whole time.

5. I love you, but I hate you

Don’t misunderstand this-- I love you. I don’t hate you at all, but I hate that you moved, or maybe I just hate that I had to stay behind.

The world is a big place and I’m proud that you were brave enough to move so far away on your own, and I know you won’t forget all the great things we did and you will come back soon! Until you come back, I will probably call you all the time because I can’t imagine not talking to you every day. I will talk to you soon!