To the baby of the family,
Tomorrow you turn 11. Imagine.
I remember so clearly the day you were born. I was eleven
too. I didn’t know if I would be welcoming a new baby brother or a new baby sister.
I wished for the latter. Poor Michael has been outnumbered
by women in this family ever since.
You will always be the bambino of the family so to see you
grow up before my very eyes is a strange, but wonderful experience. I have had
the privilege to be someone you can look up to and admire and I know I don’t
always get it right but I hope I’m setting some sort of a good example.
I’m almost getting used to not being able to find my mascara
or lip-gloss because you’ve robbed it and are experimenting with it in your
bedroom. It doesn’t mean I’m not still mad about it being gone. I am.
As the baby of the family I never really thought the day would come when you would suddenly have an interest in fashion and make-up but you already do.
But you're still so young so slow down...you will have years and years of wearing
make-up everyday and wishing you didn’t have to. Putting on fake eyelashes and straightening
your hair. You will have endless nights out with your best friends, getting
dolled up and heading to Creation like I do now. Your time will come.
It doesn’t seem like 11 years ago you came into this world,
peeping out through big blue eyes. In another 11 years you will be my age. 22.
By that stage you might have gone to college. Or you might not. I know you think
school is “soooooooo boring” right now but stick with it. I only ask that you
follow your passions and do what makes you happy. You are one of the most
creative 11-year-olds I know; making homemade lip-gloss, hair dye, nail varnish
and all sorts of other bits and bobs. You are so talented at music too. Please
don’t ever stop playing the piano or singing. Even if the singing drives me mad
from time to time.
And the cooking! How could I forget the cooking? You will
make more of a chef than I ever will.
Also, keep reading. The beauty of getting lost in a good
book never fades away. Trust me. Keep at it, even if the lure of your iPod is more
enticing.
Take an interest in the world around you. I know you already
do this, dreaming of big city living in London
and New York but don’t be afraid to
explore other places too. Sometimes people and places aren’t all they’re
cracked up to be.
In 11 years time maybe you will get the opportunity to do what I am doing now. I
hope you travel and see what the world has to offer. Ignorance is not bliss so don't be afraid to try new things, ask questions or voice your opinion. Lord knows you have one!
Finally, you will never be too old to sleep in my bed. I might
give out about you sneaking in there but you make the perfect spooning partner.
Love,
Your big sister x
Oh and...
