A Letter To My Baby Sister

I remember the excitement I felt at six years old when Mom and Dad told me I was going to be a big sister. I remember the hope for a brother, but being thrilled finding out you were a girl. And even though the nine months waiting for you to arrive and then the first year or so after you were born were all about you, I was so happy to show you off.

The years went on and I got older, so did you. You were a toddler and having fits all the time. Phrases like “Tiahna, don’t edge her on” or “Just let her have it, she’ll stop crying” I heard everyday. I felt more like a babysitter than anything else. But still, the years went on, and you got older.

I wasn’t that freaked out realizing I was going to high school. I wasn’t freaked out when I graduated and went on to college. But now I am freaked out. You’re getting older and I want it to stop. You hate that I baby you at twelve years old. I check and double check that your homework is done. I tell you to be good before going to a friends house. I tell you to learn something at school. I tell you to clean up after yourself and use your manners anywhere you go. And I’m sorry for that, but I’ve been your big sister for twelve years now and habits are hard to break.

As much as I want to keep you my little baby sister, you are slowly becoming one of my best friends. We can laugh together, watch movies together, and talk to each other like we haven’t before. I hope that as you get older we get closer and you can tell me anything.

I’ll always be that big, overprotective sister, that I can’t change. But I will also always be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a friend.