She Walked So I Could Run.

a love letter to the one who carried more so I could carry less <3.

There’s something incredibly comforting about having an elder sister. It’s like having a built-in best friend, life coach and second mom all rolled into one.

She’s the person who knew you before the world did. The one who watched you grow, stumble and rise, always with quiet pride. She was the first to cheer you on and the first to call you out. She becomes a part of your story so seamlessly, you often forget she’s the reason some chapters even happened the way they did.

I don’t say this enough, but if I were to thank the universe for one person who shaped me in ways I didn’t even realize, it would be her.

From the outside, she may look like just another responsible adult. But to me, she’s the girl who let me have the last slice without saying a word, who defended me when I couldn’t find my voice, and who unknowingly became the template for the person I hoped to be.

She made the first mistakes and that gave me the chance to learn. She took the blame, the expectations, the pressure of being “the eldest,” and never really complained. She made the way smoother so I could walk it with a little more courage and a little less worry.

But more than anything, she remained. Through every eyeroll and meltdown, through quiet dinners and bursts of laughter, she was always there. Not loud, not showy, just steady. Always present in the ways that mattered most.

She’s the one I run to with every little crisis I can’t name. The one who knows what I’m trying to say, even when the words don’t make it out. We’re different. She’s calmer, stronger, maybe even wiser. But somewhere in the space between those differences is a bond that doesn’t need daily validation.

This is for all the big sisters out there. The silent protectors, the accidental mentors, the ones who had to grow up a little too early just so we didn’t have to.

I see you. I love you. I’m grateful for you.

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This one’s for you, Akka😹.
For all the things you’ve done without being asked,
for the love you give without conditions,
and for simply being you.

Happy Birthday to the one who made growing up a little less scary and a lot more beautiful.
I hope this year brings back all the love you’ve so selflessly given to others, and even more.
I hope you feel celebrated, not just today but always.