Dear Sister,

When you were born
I was only three. I don't remember much about that time, except I was a pumpkin for halloween that year. Mom says that I was so excited to have a baby sister. I wanted to feed you and hold you and play with you; basically I wanted to do everything with you. I thinks it's safe to say I welcomed you with open arms!

When you were five 

you were like my mini me. It was fun having you around, whether it was for playing in our playhouse, making a slip & slide on the trampoline, or finding whatever mischief we could. Even at such a young age I knew that we had a relationship unlike so many sisters.

[you aren't 5 years old in this picture but I had to use it!]

When you were nine
life got a little messy for us. I think this time made us both grow up early for our years, and also made us grow closer. We didn't always get along and there were definitely times that you drove me crazy. I was a bratty teenage and you were the sometimes annoying little sister. But when it came down to it I loved you more than anything.

When you were fifteen

I went away to college. I never realized how hard it was going to be to leave you. I had prepared to say bye to friends and even mom, but telling you bye that day at the dorms was heart breaking. Suddenly, I wasn't going to have my roommate I'd had the last 18 years. I wasn't going to have my partner in crime, my best friend. Our relationship was strong enough that the distance didn't matter and we always picked up where we left off.

When you were eighteen
it was your senior year of high school. You were on homecoming court and graduated in the top 10% of your class. I was such a proud big sister! I could not believe that you were so grown up! Where did the time go?! I prayed that I had been a good role model for you; I knew that you had an exciting, bright future up ahead. And you have proven me right.

Today you're turning twenty-two.

I can't believe how the years have flown. I am so proud of the young lady you have become. You have such a kind heart and exciting spirit; you light up any room you walk into and are a joy to be around! You are beautiful inside and out, sister. I look up to you and learn from you on a daily basis. I'm so thankful every day that I get to be your big sister and your best friend.

Happy birthday Sister! 

I love you to the moon and back!