Erin.

My sweet girl you have grown so much. Today is your sweet sixteen and I couldn't wish you a greater birthday. You are one of my best friends and I love you so much! I wish I could have given you some extravagant surprise or taken you to any place your heart desired. Instead we sat on the back porch and talked about life. We did nothing out of the ordinary but you seemed perfectly fine by it.

I don't know how these little talks in the backyard help us grow so close but I am so glad that they're so powerful! I have learned how wonderful you are even when you don't think you're being so great! Your beautiful even at your weakest moments. And you shine even when you feel like your light has dimmed completely.

You are so young but your heart and mind are growing faster than I could keep up. I have seen you love fully and let your emotions take control of your beautiful smile. I've seen your self confidence rise and drop as fast as a blink of an eye. But Erin, you're the most beautiful person I know, inside and out.

You have taught me so much and everyday I learn more from you. Even though you ARE my little sister, your teaching me more than i have been able to teach myself. I've never met any who was so in touch with their emotions and it really is such a beautiful site!

To my young and amazing little sister that I've never had, cheers to a wonderful day in celebration to you!