It’s strange to grow up down the hall – when you rolled over in bed and hit the wall, I could hear – and then to move away, 5 hours away, and not know how you’re doing in school or if you’ve been asked to prom. At school, my mind is clouded with papers and exams, and then I see a picture of you on my wall and I wonder about the woman you’re becoming while I’m away. I’ll always be tied to you, because I learned from you, and I hope you’ve learning something from me too.
1. I’ve learned to play
Growing up with a sister means an automatic friend, an automatic partner-in-crime, to play school, house, and Dance Dance Revolution. Yes, of course, I want to build a snowman.
2. I’ve learned to deal
Growing up with a sister also means fighting and hair-pulling and “I’m gonna tell mom!” Your sister is the brat, the enemy, the pain in the you-know-what.
3. I’ve learned to share
When you have a sister, you have to share your toys, your clothes, and worst of all, the spotlight.
4. I’ve learned to accept myself
You’ve been known to do a British accent around the house. You’ve taught me to be silly and to not concern myself with what others think of me.
5. I’ve learned to protect
Being your sister has made me want to shield you from the parts of high school I didn’t like, the fears I had for starting college, the insecurities and the mistakes that could have been avoided. I won’t always be able to be there, but you’ll always have someone to call.
6. I’ve learned to grow
I was scared to leave our house, our family and go off to college and *gasp* to the REAL WORLD. But, I’ve realized that we’re kind of stuck together, with the sharing blood and all. So I realize that I can grow and we can grow separately and we’ll still always be ourselves and have a good time when we’re back together.
7. I’ve learned to love
When I think of you, I think of how I want the best for you. I want you to go to the best college for you, make perfectly-suited friends, and meet a guy who will treat you like a princess. I’m not bothered if you don’t have time to hang out with me this weekend or if you don’t answer my texts immediately. I’ve realized I love you in an unconditional way – I don’t need you to do anything to earn or keep my love, and regardless of who you grow up to be, I’m going to love that woman.
Some of these gifs are silly and some of the sentiments are, too. I guess it’s just not that easy for me to say but here it is: Thank you for being my sister.