There’s a special kind of magic that comes with watching someone grow up, especially when that someone is your younger sister. The journey from childhood to adulthood is a road full of milestones, some small and some life-changing, but all equally significant. For me, witnessing my sister step into the world and find her way is nothing short of exhilarating. It’s a feeling I never quite expected to experience, but one that has filled my heart with pride in ways I never anticipated.
As a toddler, I remember using my birthday wishes, a spot on my Christmas list and night time prayers to ask for a little sister. When I was four years old my wish came true, and I got my little Lauren. As a child, I remember looking at her with a sense of responsibility, like I needed to protect her, guide her and show her the ropes of life. I was the older sister, after all, and that meant I was the one who knew more. But as the years went by, I quickly realized she was very much her own person. We, in fact, are complete opposites in most ways. I started to come to the realization that there would be many things I needed to learn from her, too. She’s no longer just my little sister; she’s her own woman, navigating her way through adult challenges, celebrating victories and figuring out who she is in a way that’s uniquely hers.
What strikes me the most is the strength I see in her. Since she was little, she was always tough, physically and mentally. At a very young age, she experienced an absurd amount of loss, grief and cruelty, yet her heart remained soft and kind. Watching her tackle new challenges, face setbacks with grace and explore her passions, I often catch myself feeling a deep sense of pride. It’s as though I’m watching a younger version of myself. I wish I would’ve been as bold, outgoing and abundantly courageous as she always has been. There are so many moments, past and present, when I feel like a mom to her, proud and protective. I’m amazed by how much she’s accomplished and overcome in a short 23 years, and I can’t help but cheer her on, just as a parent would.
It’s an incredible experience to witness someone you’ve known your whole life not just grow, but evolve into someone who surprises and inspires you. If you’re having a bad day, you can count on Lauren to make you laugh. You need someone to vent to? Lauren’s there with zero judgement. Need help with anything that has to do with animals? Lauren will drop whatever she’s doing to be with animals. From the way she’s learning to put God first while navigating relationships, nursing school and her Honey Lake job, all while watching her become more self-assured and confident, it's exciting. I can’t help but feel my chest swell with pride at every new achievement and every new lesson she learns. My favorite texts from her are always “TIFFANY, you’ll never guess what I did,” because it has never and most likely will never, be a boring story.
There’s a quiet pride that comes from watching someone find their way, It's not loud or boastful, but rather an overwhelming sense of joy that you get to be part of their journey. My sister isn’t just growing up; she’s becoming someone truly remarkable, someone other young girls should look up to, and I’m so lucky God answered my prayers years ago, and I now get to be alongside her every step of the way.
In a lot of ways, I’m the one learning from her now. As much as I’ve tried to guide her, it’s become clear that she’s been teaching me all along the way as well. From her resilience to her ability to embrace new opportunities, she’s showing me that life isn’t just about surviving, it’s about having fun, learning as you go and constantly evolving. As I watch her embrace adulthood with grace and enthusiasm, I feel more than just a sense of pride; I feel incredibly fortunate to have a front row seat, witnessing her journey.
In the end, I’ve realized that being an older sister doesn’t just mean looking out for someone, it’s about stepping back and supporting them, while they take their own steps. With each step she takes, my heart swells just a little more, because I know she’s carving out a beautiful future for herself. I hope God blesses me with a long life so I can be there every step of the way, cheering her on as she continues to find her way in this vast, exciting world, because I wouldn’t be me without her.