I didn’t grow up in your house… but that doesn’t mean I didn’t grow up with you.
For Example:
I know that the Grandmas pack the best snacks before long days at dance. I know that Mom gets kinda funny (read: angry) when holidays are hosted at your home. I remember trips to Michigan and Florida. I know Auntie Mary isn’t ACTUALLY a blood relative but she is a favorite relative nevertheless. I know the years of each of our “awkward phases”. I know when the Hawks are on, Dad is watching. I know that when I wake up at 7:00 AM with 37 text messages, someone lost the Netflix password. I remember decades of birthday cake nights and graduation parties. I know the first, middle and last name of your brother.
I know all of this because I am the sister you never signed up for.
I am your sister’s best friend, permanent plus one, and somehow your extra sibling. I vacationed with you, I have laughed and cried with you, and I love you unconditionally.
And you couldn’t possibly know what this all means to me.
Every text group you include me in, family joke you tag me in, and rude comment you include me in brings me such joy. Every time we have to explain to someone that I am not actually your sibling brings me giggles. Every conversation I have had with each of you has been etched permanently in my heart.
Thank you for including me on sister nights out. Thank you for putting me in the group text message. Thank you for stopping at my house when you’re in the area. Thank you for asking my advice when your other siblings aren’t around. Thank you for teaching me the family jokes and drinking games. Thank you for liking my status/picture/comment when I needed it. Thank you for the shared love of feminism. Thank you for watching “The Holiday” with me every year. Thank you for accepting me as your own, because I don’t know where I would be without you.
I don’t know if there are enough words in the universe to describe what each of you mean to me, but I hope you know that this holiday season, next holiday season, and every day between and after that, I am always most grateful to be part of your family.
I love you.
Love,
The Sister You Never Signed Up For