An Open Letter To My Sister

You raised me.

You were my mentor.

You taught me right from wrong.

You taught me how to get into trouble.

You showed me how to think for myself through your actions.

You showed me how to stand up for what I believed in, no matter the cost.

You taught me integrity and honesty.

You taught me sarcasm.

You introduced me to Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

You really liked my pretend journalist name, Naida States.

You showed me a world of culture I otherwise would not have experienced.

You were there to comfort me when I felt bullied, sad, angry, confused.

You were right there with me, helping to fight those rough battles at home.

You were always a leader and showed me that it was okay to be different and to question everything.

You didn’t deserve to be hit because of who you are.

You didn’t deserve to be yelled at because of who you are.  

You didn’t deserve to be kicked out at 18 years old because of who you are.

You didn’t deserve to be one year away from graduating college and have the rug pulled out from under you because of who you are.

You didn’t deserve to be beaten by a group of drunken frat boys because of who you are.

Today is a day for you, my dear sister. 

People like you make a difference in this world. Today is a day that shows there are more of you out there who believe in humane ideals. Today I see a light at the end of the tunnel. 

I am proud to know you and proud of everything you stand for. I love you!