An open letter to my big sis on her 30th birthday:

Hey Meg,

It’s me, Maddie, in case you were confused in your old age ;).

Remember when we were little, and-

Wait, actually. Let me set the scene for you.

It’s the year 2000 something, seven maybe? Yeah, lets go with seven. (Who honestly cares or has any concept of time right now). You had just finished downloading ‘Lips of an Angel’ by Hinder on LimeWire, along with 15 other angry and angsty teenage songs that you plan to put on a CD uniquely titled ‘Meg’s Mix’.

Skip to dinner.

Dad made goulash, our favorite, or my favorite at least. We eat. Dad “yells” at you for cussing at the dinner table, which just translates to, “MegAaAan”, followed by the look. Super unusual, this never happens. You roll your eyes. I say something stupid and unhelpful. Mallory laughs. The next day I accidentally prank call the police. All is well.

End scene.

That was roughly 15 years ago, and honestly WHAT’S FREAKING NEW, aside from the prank call. That actually was an accident, or lapse in judgement, or whatever you want to call it (most definitely lapse in judgement, I did NOT know that phone was real), and it only happened (1) once. Sorry, Mom.

But things aren’t quite that simple anymore, sadly. Now, we all live hours away from each other and only get to recreate parallels of that memory on the holidays, one of which happens to be your birthday. The best Christmas present ever, right?

Growing up with you was… interesting. And kind of scary, but in a fun way. While you and Mal were testing the waters, I was eazy breezey, smooth sailing in your wake. Watching you sneak out, hang with friends, bleach your hair, drive with your seat laid back, listen to loud music, have 627 Mardi-Gra beads hanging on your rear-view mirror, ball out on the court, all the while thinking, “I can’t wait to do that when I’m in high school, I’m going to be just like Meg”. However, it was more of a ‘I want to be exactly like you, but I don’t want you to know’ kind of thing. Because while you were doing your thing, playing sports, reaching goals, facing struggles and heartbreak, I had a front row seat, baby. And I watched every move. For most of my life, I don’t think anyone knew me by my name. It was always, “Ohhhh, you’re Meg’s little sis”, which I was ok with because she was coooool. HA.

But now you’re THIRTY. Thirty, flirty, and purrrtty. Still one of a kind and always the life of the party. I’m so inspired by your strength, resilience, grit, and perseverance. Thanks for paving the way and showing me the ropes. Your light is SO BRIGHT, and I love watching you grow. You’re best brother anyone could ask for, and you’re just getting started.

Happy birthday, Meg. Keep shinin’. <3

With love,

Your favorite sister ;)