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Open Letter to my Unexpected Sister

I still remember the day you walked in, eyes lit up with excitement and a smile plastered across your face. It was refreshing; the smallest fraction of you reminded me of a younger version of myself. There were things about ourselves that connected, despite only spending an hour together at most. Because my life was filled with broken smiles and forced laughter, my brain registered it in a familiar way. I understood that facade of strength you fought to uphold.

I understood how it felt for you to bear your soul the way you have with me. I intimately knew that rocky trust we fought for in the beginning, but out of nowhere, the earth decided we were meant to be a strong foundation for one another. Not an ounce of fear could be born in the pure love we share.

You were there for the hardest parts of my life, from the loss of my mother to the totaling of my car; I found hope in mentoring you. I found truth in the Sunday morning drives and the simplicity of what a makeover can do. We’ve found healing in the midst of beach visits and amusement parks. Volunteering our time to help victims of natural disasters and singing at the top of our lungs are imprints of love scattered through the winding roads we’ve travelled. 

Although, biologically, I am the youngest of my siblings, I have been blessed to consider you a younger sister. I am able to look out for you, make mistakes for you to learn from, and be an example to you. I hope that I am a role model in your life. Does my life resemble love in it’s truest form? Do I echo the actions of Jesus with every hug, every lunch date, every piece of advice? I sincerely hope that I am a wholesome woman to look up to. I pray that although, biologically, I am not experienced in being an older sister, you can always look towards me for advice, or anything else you may need. 

I have dreams for you to reach greater heights than you imagine possible. I know that you are capable of so many things. There are so many things, I’d love to say to you, but the first thing that comes to mind: thank you.

Thank you for accepting me, voice cracks and i-swear-by-these-life hacks included. I can always count on your prayers to help get me through any circumstance, whether it be boys, work, or school stress, you understand that I don’t mean to get testy with you through it. Instead of allowing me to relish in the bad moments, you make laughter seem like a better option. Soon, the only hurt I feel is in my stomach because of the enhanced laughter. 

I am truly inspired by your heart. You challenge me daily to be a better person, so thank you for that. I try to treat people the way that I treat you… I try to love them the way I love you, but everyone knows the place you have in my heart. The smallest things make you smile. You celebrate tiny victories like they are big triumphs, and you sing out in the name of courage. It is truly a sight to see. I am so happy to experience it and watch you grow beyond your comfort zone.

Lastly, I want to thank you for being my best friend. There is not a thing in this world that could shake our friendship. And I hope that you know how much you mean to me; if you ever needed anything, even the shirt off my back, it is yours. Love is sacrifice. I am learning to love people well, and you are a true example of radiance. I am blessed to be a part of your life. 

A Rachel Platten song says, “It’s a better place since you came along.” I truly believe that without a shadow of a doubt. You will never realize what you’ve done for me. I love you, little sister.