An open letter from a little sister to her big sister

I’m sorry I never tell you this in person. You know I’m not good at showing people how I feel.

I want to thank you. For being there for me, for showing me your good values and letting me learn from you. I don’t remember much from our childhood, but I do remember that you’ve always been there when I needed you. And till this day you still are. Thank you for standing up for me, and even with tears in your eyes you still manage to wipe away mine. Life has not been easy on any of us, and I know that being a big sister has been more than a full time job for you. Thank you for taking my hand and walking in front of me through anything. You have always tried to protect me, even from the things I could not be protected from - I often think of you as someone who saved my life. You’ve handled things with a smile even with tears streaming down your face, and I don’t have the words to describe how deeply inspiring you are. Diamonds are made under extreme pressure, and you are a good example of that. I am so incredibly proud of you. For the person you have become, despite everything that life has thrown at you, at us. For not letting it make you cruel. For having the courage to stay warm and loving. We all know that the easiest thing to do is to turn cold, but you never do - and I admire you so much for it.

I know I don’t tell you this nearly enough, but I love you to my core.