18 Years...A Letter To My Sister

We've been through a lot together these past 18 years...some good, some bad, but all with sisterly love. 

I say to you all the time "You used to be such a cute kid, what happened?" I know what happened...you turned into a beautiful young woman. 

The all-star athlete, the talented musician, the academic scholar, the nurturing teacher, the student leader... You are so many things, to so many people...but you will always be my baby sister. You have accomplished so much already in your life and I will never be able to tell you how extremely proud I am of you.

"There is no better friend than a sister. And there is no better sister than you."

I remember the first time I saw you, visiting you- my baby sister- in the hospital. We both know this wasn't the last time I would see you in the hospital. I remember when you broke your arm...and walking the length of the hallway with you, while you waited to go in for surgery. 

I remember when you learned to walk...mom and dad were out, we were in their room watching tv. You just stood up, by yourself...you didn't pull yourself up on a table or anything...and started walking. Not one or two steps, but the length of the room. I was so excited.

I remember...so many things- somersaults before dad's inauguration, you being terrified of Mickey Mouse but amazed by 'Ho Ho' aka Santa, how excited you would get when we drove past cows, you being eager to share your special recipe for scrambled eggs, you being with me when I was shopping for my prom dress, you coming to visit me at Brock, all the hockey games, yoga with Lilith, the castle we built for school (out of sugar cubes...that was a fun afternoon) and of course playing Oopsie Daisy's ...I could go on and on.

"Sisters are beloved angels whom God sent to be beside us through thick and thin."

But my favourite memories are when we are just sisters...shopping, going out for lunch, helping you study.

I know over the years I haven't always been the nicest to you...I've picked on you, I've given you a hard time, I've made you cry...I was being a big sister, apparently that's what we do. I know I haven't always been the best sister. But there hasn't been a day where I haven't been happy you were my sister, been proud of you or loved you unconditionally. You mean the world to me.

"Sisters are for sharing laughter and wiping tears."

It's hard to believe that you came into my life 18 years ago. I can't remember a time when you weren't part of my life-what life was like before you were born- and I can't imagine my life without you now...I can't imagine going through life without you as my sister.

"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread in the meaning of life." 

 

Who knew that 18 years ago I wasn't just gaining a baby sister, but one of my best friends too.

Happy 18th birthday...I hope you have an amazing, memorable day.

I love you.