Eliza Dear

This blog post isn't going to be about me....
So, naturally, I have no idea how to start it.

Happy 16th Birthday Eliza.

(What? I'm cheap! Instead of getting you a nice tangible object for your birthday... you get this. I did the same thing for Aria, you did the same thing for me-which was adorable- and now it's a thing. So here is yours.)

And... that's all I've got.

But a picture is worth a thousand words, and Eliza deserves more than that.

So, dear sister.

Thanks for being adventurous with me. I know I push you into things sometimes, but there are just some things that you can't do alone.

So thanks for that.

Thanks for being strong and dedicated, in so many ways.

Thanks for making funny faces. And letting me glare, but not really mean it.

Thanks for being a kid with me.

... and for growing up with me.

Thanks for laughing at all the right moments

Thanks for caring. 

Thanks for making food.... and eating it, too.That's probably something I'll miss the most.

Thanks for always being next to me, and sharing in my daily adventures.

Thanks for being part of the glue that makes us a great family.

Thanks for dressing up with me.

For being my built-in best friend.

For putting up with me and my adorable quirks. 

You're going to miss me when I'm gone ...at college.

But I think I'll miss you more.

Who will I watch Merlin with? 

Who will roll their eyes at my Disney/Fandom/Movie references?

Who will understand me like you do?

I can't quite keep my mouth shut during movies, and you are the only person I could share all of my insights and jokes with.

I'm going to have to start making my own food... which terrifies me more than you know.

I can feel better just by seeing you.

I'm not excited about  leaving home. About leaving you to be the oldest and dealing with David and Melissa.

But I AM excited to see how you grow. 

You don't have to worry about filling my ridiculously large shoes.

They aren't really your style. 

Choose your own shoes.

Step out of our shadows.

It's your time to shine.

You is kind, you is smart, you is impotant. 

You are beautiful, you are strong, you are loving.

Whatever comes next, I can help in my own way, but as you take this first step into the world of responsibility, I'm anxious to see who you become.

But because I know and love you, I'm not worried. 

I think we both know that, what ever comes your way....