A letter to my Sister: Thank you

So the time has come for me to let you go and continue on with your journey and I don’t even know where to begin.

When you were born I was blessed with the gift of a partner for life. We were buddies growing up, then I became a teenager and you became annoying, then you became a teenager and I became annoying.

As the journey into young adult hood embraced us, we finally started to build a relationship that was beyond just being sisters. It became for me, about knowing I had the best friend I could ever have.  And no matter where I was in life or in the world there was always someone else out there with me.

With your news of being pregnant I had so many emotions. Many included excitement. Some fear. Overall I knew that this time was going to be one of the most amazing journeys in my life.

I watched your body transform into your child’s home. You grew into your belly so gracefully. I was in love with your beauty and began to experience the sense of pride that comes with being an aunt. Witnessing this event has changed me in more ways than just a title.

As the time passed we celebrated with family and friends and with endless phone calls and funnies about pregnancy and what to expect. Behind every memory and every conversation I would feel myself smile and think to how lucky I am to have you as my sister.

And so now the day came, when we were to meet this beautiful creature growing inside of you. Were you nervous? Cause I sure as hell was! The hours seemed endless and the helplessness I felt was overwhelming. Your bravery, your commitment, your endurance, your STRENGTH, your courage oh wow was I amazed. There was nowhere else I wanted to be other than right by your side watching this miracle unfold. You were the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

Several hours, and many contractions later, your baby, your child, my nephew, my new little heart joined us in this world. I think I was so happy and so shocked and so overjoyed I couldn’t cry. It was all too much for me.

The day you came home was probably one of the most prideful days I have ever had. Knowing you chose to enter this new journey with me by your side I don’t have enough words to thank you.

This was the greatest gift you could have ever given to me and I appreciate every startled waking, sleepless night, poop filled and crying baby moment of it!

Watching you cuddle with him, hearing you sing to him, listening to you talk to him and calm his cries, witnessing first moments I watched from the sidelines knowing that I was experiencing the most awesome thing a person could ever see.

So now. Again. Here we are together as sisters upon another monumental moment in our relationships We are no longer just sisters; we are no longer just friends but now we share one of the most amazing titles we could ever share together: we are Mothers. Goddesses in our own right. The most divine beings our children will ever know. And we are experiencing this together.

Sister, I love you more than life itself. I love my nephew more than life itself.  And from one mom to another here are my very few words of advice:

Love your son like you never loved before.

Hold him every chance you get.

Kiss him every moment you’re awake.

Tell him how much he means to you several times a day.

Enjoy his cries, cause one day he won’t cry that way.

Enjoy these sleepless nights cause one day he won’t need you to soothe him to sleep.

And always remember you are Woman. Then Mother. Take care of you, because a happy mom makes for an even happier baby.

You are a phenomenal being. You are an extraordinary person. You are the perfect sister. My best friend. And you will be one of the most wonderful mothers I will ever know.

I am so proud of you, of your journey and of your spirit. I am beyond grateful for this gift. And I can only offer you my hand in life forever and a day as the very wise Winnie the Pooh once said If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.

I will always be your biggest fan.

I am honored to have you in my life.

You complete me.

My Sister, life is full of amazing things. Always take a minute to smell the flowers by your feet. Feel the Sun on your face. Let the Rain cleanse your soul. Love with all that you have. Laugh with every breath. Live with purpose. Fight for your dreams. Reach for the Stars, Moon and Sun… Believe in you… cause I do. And remember, that I will always be here… right by your side… cheering you on.

Love always & forever, Your Big Sister