Faith. Hope. Courage. Love.

My baby sister began her freshman year of college this September.

If you've met my sisters, I would not have to tell you that they each encompass a little bit of who I am and a lot of our mother, including her warm heart.  Katy (Scooter, as nicknamed by our Auntie Karen due to her ability to scoot rather than crawl), at the age of 22, is blissful beyond her years.  She has my sense of compassion. Hannah (Buns, as nicknamed by me due to her cute little bottom), at the age of 18, is intelligent beyond her means.  She has my stubborn ways and strong drive for perfection.  Both of them are incredible young women.  At the end of the day, before I fall asleep, I know the world is a better place because each of them exists and if they had nothing but the shirts on their back, they would give those up to someone in need.

 Tonight my focus is Buns.

This week marked her first official big life decision.  As a homesick freshman, this little Princess was not sure if her choice of college was right nor if she even knew where right was for her. Needless to say, by tonight, I assure you that she has reassured herself that she indeed did make the right decision.  Thankfully, she is staying!

During my conversations with her, I was reminded of four very important parts of life:  faith, hope, courage and love.  I hope that someday, she will remember the first grown up conversation we had about life and she will remember these things:

• Faith.  Always remember to have faith in yourself and God.  No matter where your road of life may lead you, having faith in your ability to adapt and grow and learn will keep you traveling all the years of your life.  
• Hope.  Never ever, under any circumstances, give up hope.  Not for anyone.  Not because anyone tells you to.  Not for any reason at all.  Hope is an ocean, sometimes we just have to adjust the sails.
• Courage.  Courage comes in many different forms.  If you ever feel that you have lost your courage, remember I am here to stand behind you.  Never shall you walk alone in the dark.  
• Love.  Love is the cure all for life.  It is the spoonful of sugar.  It is what gives the world such vibrant color.  The beat of a heart that loves is the most beautiful sound.  Watching a heartbeat manifest itself on the world is a masterpiece.  Use your paintbrush to create your own for this is truly how the world will remember you.

Life is what you make of it.  Live your dreams.  Never let anyone tell you that your dream world is different from reality. Fall in love. Cry. Let your heart break, heal and then break again. Be proud of who you are.  Although where you came from does not define the person you are, it is a part of you.  Embrace change. Love growing older and wiser. Listen to what your older sister says because 10 years down the road you will understand that she was right. Just love being you and never, ever, forget how proud I am to be your big sister.

Love,
Me

P.S. Remember that more candles on your birthday cake means saving on electricity for like 1-2 minutes each year.