To My Sister In Our Different Seasons in Life

This week my little sister will be moving across the country to New York City for work. I remember watching her grow up and one of her dreams being to move to Manhattan and live the city life. Our first trip to NYC was when she was in middle school, and she’s been hooked ever since. That’s the thing about having a little sister, you get to see life through someone else’s eyes well before you ever have a child of your own. Being almost nine years apart in age, we’ve gone through many different seasons of life at different times but not once have we not been there for each other.

I’ve always been her protector growing up, and I wear my big sister hat proudly. But more than anything, I’m thankful. I’m thankful for our life together as sisters, and even though we’re both adults leading our own lives, I want to remind her of some things as she’s about to make another huge life step:

Remember when I kept you away from strangers when you were little? It was to protect you from all the bad people, but I think your judge of character will serve you just fine. Thank you for letting me boss you around in order to keep you safe.

Thank you for being there for me for each one of my life’s heartbreaks. I couldn’t have done it without you. You always knew exactly how to pick me back up after I was shattered into a million pieces. I know you know I’ll be there for you to do the same.

Thank you for learning from my mistakes. It’s made them all worth it.

Thank you for being an old soul and hanging out with me even though I wasn’t as hip as your friends. You keep me young.

Thank you for being there for my life’s most precious moments. You’re my best friend, and I appreciate your time and love more than you know.

Thank you for being a risk-taker. It’s helped me want to be brave and bold just like you.

Thank you for being a world-traveler. It’s been a blast to travel with you and vicariously through you.

Thank you for always being my biggest cheerleader, from drill team to dreams. It’s been an honor to be yours, too.

Thank you for teaching me how to be a better friend. I always learn something new from you.

Thank you for being the creative one. My parties wouldn’t be as good as they’ve been without your help.

Thank you for being understanding when life grew and changed. Each season of life when I had to spread my wings before you did, I always felt a little bit of guilt thinking I was leaving you behind. I know now that I wasn’t leaving you behind, just making life better for the both of us.

Thank you for being patient with me as I found a new role as a wife and then a mother. It took me some time to find my footing, but I hope I’ve made you proud.

Thank you for being a person who sets goals and doesn’t stop until you’ve reached them. You’ve not only been an inspiration to me, but I know you’ll be one to my children, too.

Thank you for being a woman of faith. I’m blessed to do life with an encourager like you by my side.

It’s been a privilege to watch you grow and mature into the successful, beautiful woman that you are. I’ve never been prouder of you than I am now. Yet something tells me you’re just on the brink of greatness. I know we’ll experience setbacks and life challenges together and apart, but I know without a doubt that we’ll get through it because we have each other. I’ll always be here for you as a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a presence to just be still with you, a voice of reason when you need it, and person to be as excited as you are for life’s greatest joys. Keep being the best version of yourself, because you’re pretty amazing, sister. I love you more than you’ll ever know. I can’t wait see what this next season brings.