Dear Baby Sister

Baby Sister,

God I wish you were growing up in a world that matched your brilliance. A world where my stomach doesn't swallow itself whole thinking about what might happen to you in this crazy, chaotic world we live in. 

But, Drey, I never want you to dull your shine for the world. I want you to see a thousand sunsets and a thousand more waters. I want you to do cartwheels all the way across the playground, even when you're my age. I want you to smile your goofy little, absolutely heart-melting smile; even in the midst of your hardest, most heartbreaking times.

And punkin, I want you to call me. Cry on my shoulder, vent on the phone, say my name in your prayers. But mostly, know that if you saw yourself through my eyes, you would adore you! So please don't ever stop adoring yourself the way I do. 

The world is dark and dreary and rotten on so many days, but on those same days there will always be light. Look for the light. The stars, the sunrises and sunsets, the glow worms and fireflies. Look for the teachers, the givers, and the helping hands. You are this light, and even on the world's worst days, there will be light all around you. 

One of the best things you can do in life is look for the good in people; the meanest person has a dim light ready to shine. The other best thing you can do is this: Don't drink diet soda, don't smoke, and do NOT, whatever you do, do NOT give in to peer pressure. Any and all forms. Because I never, ever want you to be LESS you. 

One last thing, always believe you can change the world.

You can, and you will; in tiny miraculous ways that the world has an insatiable hunger for. You'll leave memories on the people you love, scars on those you leave, and you will leave your laughter in rooms that will never ring so brightly. Even your mistakes can change the world, sometimes even for the better! Weird concept, but time does that. 

You're a gem in this world; don't ever believe otherwise for even one second. 

With all my love to infinity and beyond,

Your Big Sis.