As your oldest sister with a gaping 12 years in between us and about 276 miles - I wanted to tell you a couple of things..
Since you were 8, I've had to watch you grow up from a distance between living in California and Chicago. People always ask me why I would ever leave California for Chicago. "You left the sunshine and ocean for snow?!" Uh, yeah. I'm crazy - I know. It's -10 here and my friends are still sunbathing in Long Beach. (P.S. LB friends - summers out here are the jam. We just hibernate for 6 months.) But the first thing out of my mouth when I respond (right before my wanting to be closer to my family, obviously) is - "Well...I have two younger sisters and I just felt like I was missing out on so much of their lives." It bothered me knowing I missed almost all of Casey's high school years and moments I wish I could have been there for. Now I look at her and see the gorgeous and bright young little teacher she is about to become and IT'S CRAY. Time goes by so much faster when you miss things. Being here, I've at least been able to see more of your last three years.
I can't tell you how much of a treat it is for me to watch you dance. I can't stop bragging about how fantastic you are - all of you. You're entire team is incredible. You come from a long line of cheerleaders so the fact that you went this route was different and let's be real - we've all seen mom and dad's dance moves and Casey and I can drop it like it's hot but that's about the extent of it. I don't know where you get it. I did have that one shining moment in 1996 with Megan in that jazz dance class. In hindsight, I'm pretty sure it was full of Fitness & Fun rejects and well...you can ask mom how that went down. There's video somewhere I should have burned by now.
On a serious note - I am so proud and in awe of the talent that you have. You have a passion and beauty on that floor that is nothing like I've seen. Don't ever give that up. One thing I've learned in my almost 30 years is that following your heart and doing/discovering what you love is of most importance and the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself; win or lose, supporters or doubters. Uncertainty, risk, and fear builds character. I say this because you're standing on the brink of a time that is going to be life shaping. You and Casey are such brave and bold young ladies and I couldn't be a prouder big sister.
Mags, you shine so bright and I hope you hang on to that for as long as you can and as long as you want to. Because you can honestly do anything.
Make the most of what is left of this last competition season. And kick some serious ass along the way.
Mom - stop crying.
xoxo,
Aft.
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