for my sister.

In just a few short weeks, my sister will be getting married. As a little girl, I dreamed of being just like her -- she was older, smarter and funnier. I wanted to wear her clothes and possess her artistic talent.

Then, when I got older, she taught me one of the most important lessons I believe I will ever learn: I am beautiful because I am unique. My sister has never been scared to be herself. From her style to her kindness, she has been true to her mind, body and spirit for as long as I can remember. I love my sister. I love her even more because, in a sense, she paved the way for me. She held my hand and let me know that it would be okay to be me. She is beautiful beyond all comprehension and I will never take for granted the fact that we are bound together by heart strings.

I wasn't always good about appreciating her, though. I can think of plenty of times when I brushed her company off for someone else's. A silly mistake, I now realize. I sincerely regret all those chances I passed up, but I am proud of the fact that I realized the importance of her presence in my life and now make an effort to appreciate her for everything she has done (and will do) for me. In a few weeks, she will walk down the aisle and I will stand by her side as she vows to spend the rest of her life with a man she loves. I have always wanted love for my sister, more than anything. I have always wanted a man that appreciates her unyielding loyalty, kindness, and fierce passion for life. She has found that person and I could not be more pleased.

When I look back on all the memories we have shared together, I get a little teary -- mostly because we are no longer children and those simple moments we have are fleeting, snapshots in my mind. At the same time, I can picture our future together. The two of us standing in a sunny kitchen, watching our own children play together. And it is good. It is oh so good. I have friends in my life that will come and go, I have friends in my life that will be there forever, and I have a sister who will walk by my side for eternity. That is the most precious gift I could be given in this wild, uncertain, difficult life. A person who will not only never leave my side, but who will support me in all my endeavors.

I love you, Evie. I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle in all your beauty, grace, and kindness. Thank you for loving me in all my stubbornness and moodiness. Even though I don't always say it, I am thankful for your presence in my life every minute of everyday.