Dear Lilly,
Happy Fifteenth Birthday baby sister!
As I sit here, an ocean away from you, I am filled with both sadness and joy. It makes me sad to know that I can’t give you a hug and kiss today and sing Happy Birthday to you. And my heart breaks when I think of all I will be missing in your life this year like volleyball games as JV captain, getting your learner’s permit, and your inevitable growth in height, to name a few. But at the same time, I am overjoyed that you get to have all of these experiences! Our Heavenly Father is going to bless you abundantly this year if you just allow Him to.
Being your oldest sister, it is my prerogative to offer you advice, so I thought, “What do I wish I had known at fifteen?” Here are just a few of the things that came to mind:
Your life has already begun, so stop waiting for it to happen and start actively participating in it.
Some friendships are meant to last a lifetime and some are seasonal. Understand the difference and learn to appreciate both.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Comparison is a deadly poison that will seep into your mind and destroy you. Know that God made you perfectly and has a plan for you.
Love others boldly. Be courageous in your actions. Fear should never be an excuse for not doing something you feel called to do.
Enjoy the stage of life you are in now. Do not wish time away; it moves fast enough on its own.
These things may sound cliche, but they are all truths I am still learning at twenty four. Begin learning them now, and hopefully you will be further along when you get to be my age.
Lillith, you are a strong athlete, a talented writer, a faithful friend, and a compassionate soul. You are a leader. These are all gifts given to you by our Heavenly Father, and He has a special place and specific work in His Kingdom designed just for YOU. Seek Him out and follow His timing. This is my prayer for you.
So, this is me sending a big “Happy Birthday!” and all my love to you. To the one I cradled as a baby and diaper changed. To the one I played imaginary games with. To the one I taught to shave her legs and put on makeup. To the one I took to her first concerts. To the one who will always be “little” even when she’s 4 inches taller. And to the one who taught me how to use my iPhone, introduced me to One Direction, and knows how to take the perfect selfie. To my baby sister. To my best friend.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
With all my love,
LoLo
And as a "present", here are 15 pictures of me and you 🙂
I have loved you since the day you were born!
?One of our favorite vacations—Disney World! I was 17, Patrice was 14, and you were 7!
?The State Fair! You have and I have been ride buddies since forever- thanks for loving roller coasters!
?This was on your birthday in 2007! You and daddy came to a Tech game my freshman year. Look at you when you turned 9!
?Remember when I used to be able to carry you on my back? Now you have to carry me!
?The year Patrice and I set up a pumpkin patch in the backyard for you since we couldn't go to a real one!
?Christmas Eve 2012—our best looking Christmas yet 😉
?I love that you are a cheerleader and that I get to watch you do something you love. Go Falcons!
?From springtime this year….just hanging out taking selfies!
?I had a blast with you at the youth group lockout! We are DDR masters 🙂
?Your very first concert!! Such great memories of you and Katie, listening to R5, and meeting Ross Lynch!
?Just me and you on my birthday seeing Iron Man 3 🙂
?Going to see CYT's Les Mis…..I dreamed a dream in time gone bye….
ONE DIRECTION CONCERT! I will never forget this night with you 🙂
?And our goodbye in the airport….Lilly, 11 months is a long time, but I know that God has big plans for both of us this year! I can't wait to run into your arms in May!
