Dear Elizabeth, 

When I was five years old I wanted to do everything you did. You were my peer, mentor, bestfriend. I played the violin because that’s what you played. I joined the basketball team because I saw you shooting hoops. Showed up at track camp because you were enrolled too.

As I grew up I became my own person, no longer dribbling a basketball behind you, but observations continued. You started playing more instruments and excelling in language arts. I was exploring my own sport while learning math equations. 

As a child I was most thankful for you talking for me, and sometimes I still wish you were with me to answer questions for me. Instead, you make phone calls I don’t want to make, help me write sponsorship letters, fix up my house, and have the best ideas of what to eat or where to go. But what I appreciate most is your unconditional support. No matter what I choose to do, you show up. Thank you for decorating cars, making tshirts, and traveling anywhere and everywhere to cheer me on. It’s my dream to live next door to you, but until that can happen I hope to continue to make memories at photo shoots in CA, Olympic Houses, and AirBnBs around the world. 

You are passionate, caring, and make my life better. I can’t imagine life without you, sister. It’s Women’s History Month, and this is the perfect time to thank you. You are the one who taught me to be a strong woman. That I can do anything I want. To not care about what others say, think, or do. You taught me to support myself through your example of  becoming an RA to pay your own tuition. You showed me that I too can create my own path. By mimicking your every move, I learned to create my own life. 

You’re the one who taught me about track and field. Without you I never would have run. Thank you for giving me the joy of running, it’s changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. 

Love,

GW