No Matter What Happens, I Won’t Walk Away From You

I promise to always make you laugh and steal your clothes. I promise to tickle you when you’re getting ready and harass you when you’re on the phone. I promise to ask you annoying questions and try to budge into your personal life. I promise to assess every boyfriend or male you bring into the house and threaten his safety if he ever hurts you.

But most of all I promise to stand by your side, always.

As your big sis, I know that it’s my job to protect you, to support you, to listen to you. But I’m here for more than that. I’m here for late night phone calls and pillow fights, for mornings snuggled under the covers and mugs of hot chocolate on the back porch. I’ll be here to hold you when your heart is broken and make you laugh when that’s the last thing you want to do.

I’m going to be here for it all. I promise.

No matter the distance between us or the miles that separate us. No matter the years or time that has passed. No matter where our lives take us, even if they take us apart, I’m not walking away from you.

They say sisterhood is forever, but I didn’t realize that until we got older. Until I saw myself reflected back to me in your eyes, until I realized that so much of who I am is in you, and I’m thankful for that. I didn’t realize how amazing it was to have someone to talk to, someone who understands, someone who will always be my best friend.

And I promise I’ll always be yours.

We’re at the time now when our lives are shifting, when our paths are changing, when we’re becoming independent and strong and hard-headed. I know this is your time to explore, to challenge what’s around you, to grow. And I’m excited for that. No matter how hard it is to see you go, I need you to know one thing: I’ll never be too far away. I promise.

I’ll be there whenever you need me; I’ll be there even for the times you don’t. I’ll be there because that’s what sisters do—and you won’t have to ask. Whenever you call, I’ll pick up the phone. I’ll share your laughs and your fears, your painful moments and best memories.

I know that our lives are not always going to bring us close together, but I’ll fight for us. I’ll keep on fighting for us to stay close because that’s one thing I’ve promised since you were born—to be not only your sister, but your best friend.

I love you. I hope you know that.

I love you on the days when I’m busy. I love you on the days when I have my own drama and fears. I love you on the days when I don’t have the answers. I love you on the days when I make you angry. I love you on the days when you drive me crazy.

And this won’t ever change.

There’s not a thing you could do to make me walk away from you. You’re my sister and I’m in this forever, so no matter what happens, please know that my love isn’t changing. I love you.

And I’m here.