Dear Sister, Me Because Of You Poem by Liliana EL.

Loving you as a little girl
Running, shouting, twirling, bouncing
Even pulling your hair and breaking your things, I loved you

Endlessly inquiring about your favorite color, parties, friends, and projects
I strove to understand you and who I might grow up to be
Tagging along every chance you offered
Happy to be under your care

Anxious to finish my meals to play Snood
It's been so many years since

I've heard of your feats through high school
And then you went off to college
And there you achieved so much more
Learned and grew as a person

And not once did you abandon me or even push me away
Rather you embraced me at your side

We spent some weeks together
Went on some fun trips
For the holidays, up to our cousins
Later down to Florida

And then you were on the other coast working!
And still I look up to you as I did as a kid
And still you support me and guide me with your experiences

And still you send presents and warm, heartfelt wishes
And holidays must include you

And yes, I think of you and miss you often
And I wonder about you

How you've turned out so great when it seems you've just started
How you maintain such a sense of responsibility and determination
How you persevere through your struggles and reach your goals
How you maintain your calm through turbulence

And so I wonder
And thinking of you, I smile

Our conversations over the phone
No matter how occasional
Still mean so much and bring joy
Bright and lively
Full of warmth and care
Catching up on dailies
Laughing and imagining
How different things must be over there

And memories float around in my mind, reemerging with meaning just as deep

Our moments and memories
Funfilled, painful, and true
I am me because of you