“I can feel the baby moving mommy”, I said to my mother with absolute wonder in my eyes. “Yes, that’s a baby in there. You’re going to be little big sister.” She smiled and I smiled back not realizing the meaning of being a big sister at age 5. I was thrilled that soon we were going to have a little baby among us, because for five years it has been just only me, mom and dad. I had this wonderful feeling in my stomach, which made me most happy about my mother’s pregnancy. I couldn’t explain it and I still can’t.

“Wake up, love”, daddy woke me kindly. “We have to go to the doctor, because mommy is having the baby”. It was still midnight, so half asleep I followed my father to the clinic. It was walking distance. As we sat there waiting, I could notice that daddy was really anxious. But as he stroke my hair back to sleep, he calmed down. As the morning came we went back home and for the first time ever, dad made me breakfast.

Now I can’t remember the first time that I saw my little sister, but I do remember staring at this baby while she was sleeping. I told my mother what a beautiful little baby she was. I used to sing all the songs I learned at school, when sissy was crying.

Being a little big sister meant a lot to me. I learned to share my stuff and my food. I learned to be responsible and how to take care of you. I had to be a good example as you were watching me and following in my footsteps.

But having a little sister meant even more. It meant that I had someone to play with, someone to sing to, someone to share chores with, someone to fall back on when I need one to and someone to keep the secrets I didn’t even tell. Someone to share my experiences and mistakes. And most importantly to laugh with when there is absolutely nothing to laugh about, but you just do because you should’ve laughed minutes, hours, days and sometimes even months ago. I hope she gets this one.

To my little sister: When you were born, I was your little big sister. Now, you are my big little sister and the roles have changed. You turned into a loving human being full of life. You teach me more than I’ve taught you. As pretty as you are, so beautiful is your soul. Happy birthday little big sister, thanks for being mine.