Sister...

in the wake of losing my brother
i've started to reflect on the other relationships in my life
mainly the one with my sister...
sure, i tell her on a regular basis that she is my best friend.

 that regardless of our 17 year age difference 

(and people often thinking she is my child)

but she is truly my #1.

i often think about the future... 

when i get married, when she turns 16, when she goes to college! 

i often think that it's surreal how she is going to keep me more young and youthful

 then any face lift and botox ever could... 

and i am quite grateful for that! 

having siblings makes you so much more then crazy!
you become...

a confidant, a driver, an advice giver, a money lender, and of safe haven

siblings teach you about love and patience.

because we can argue over things, we will tease each other tip the sun comes up...

 and you may put gum in your sisters hair 

 (cotton candy bubblicious gum; at that) 

but at the end of the day - we said we were sorry. 

they are your people and there is always, always, always love.

it made me start thinking about all of the things i want her to know...

she is so wise beyond her years, 

drinking her starbucks, asking for weekly trips to target, 

wanting to go to lunch with "her girls" who are actually my girls! 

she is so lucky to have been "adopted" by many of my and my brother's friends...

all of these little memos to life

this crazy and fun journey of life

especially since she just turned "double digits"

i want Mia to know that...

she is beautiful in the skin she is in.

that makeup, clothes and accessories do not make the girl,

the girl makes them.

i want her to know that she should never take no for an answer.

to fight for her beliefs and her dreams no matter how obscure they may be.

that she should try new things.

taking leaps of faith and stepping out of her comfort zone

aren't as scary as people will tell you it is!

and taking  a chance will more then likely change your life... for the better.

that she should always keep a close relationship with her family.

because yes, as we get older they can be annoying, and they can be invasive.

but at the end of the day, they will always be there for you.

i hope and wish so many things for my sister 

it doesn't take much to rattle off all the wonderful things about her.
but it's so much more special to think of all the wonderful things I want for her!
there are lessons  I am still learning, 
and so much is shaping me to the person I am. but as I sit here today I know without a shadow of a doubt, my main goal is to be the best example for her!

<3