I lover her too.

I know you didn’t think I was going to leave her out did you?

We are different now too. We’ve grown and grown apart too. But I’m so proud of you. You have really shown me what it means to stick to it. To believe in yourself and you’ll accomplish your dreams. You are the one who showed me not to give up when you find yourself going through setbacks. We see each other all the time and don’t speak but I know, that there is always a contention between us, but I still love you. It’s an unspoken thing. So much between us is.

I know there are things in me that you see and don’t like. You put up with me still; without cutting me too much slack and letting me off of the hook. And you wish you could bring it out of me. And protect me from those that would exploit it. You want to be a protector and you can’t be anymore. You used to fight for me. I remember the time the bully on our street started bullying me, and you fought them for me. And more recently I know you’ve been ready to ride or die for me. And I know how much it hurts you that you can’t stop me from feeling the wrath of my consequences. I know if you could still fight for me you would.

I know it hurt when you figured some people were befriending you because they liked me. And we’re both more like our mother than we care to admit. And you know what that means. I know you are a good friend. You are worthy of genuine friendship. I know that you will forgive and live free.

You know I don’t think any of us thought it would be this way. But you are the first to do some things in our family. You were the first to graduate from college and well you know the next first that you’re working on as I write this. You have really put the rivalry to bed. I see that uncanny quality that women have over men; especially young adults. You show how women just get their stuff together while boys tend to flounder around trying to find their way until a certain age?

I know there is a fear that we’ll grow apart. But, I’m going to tell you that I won’t let that happen. We’re all we got. And for real, blood is thicker than water. I know our kids will be closer than we were with our cousins. I know that we’ll have holidays over each other’s house. I know that one day you’ll come to my town and to my job and I will be proud to show you off to everyone.

So as you celebrate your birthday I want you to know….

That you inspire me

That I look up to you

That I’m proud of you.

And contrary to popular belief, you are truly my big sister.

Happy Birthday.