My Sister-'The Athlete'

          Growing up, I loved to play any kind of sport with my brothers. We all played soccer and softball, football and basketball together. I tried my best to play as hard as I could and compete at a level that was equal or acceptable to them. I always liked being the tom boy. That name was something that not only defined my way of thinking, but the role I have carried throughout my life. I have always loved being able to play sports with the boys and beat the girls. I thought that sports defined me. In a way I still believe they do, but I have learned a lot this year. I never realized what I was missing out on by being a tom boy until recently.
          As I have mentioned, I currently live with nine beautiful girls and it's really easy to get intimidated by them. They are all really pretty and they know just how to work it. I always thought that in some way being a girly girl was a downer. I didn't want to be seen as vulnerable, weak, or inferior. I tried so hard to be equal, strong, and powerful that I didn't even consider the other things. I didn't learn how to curl my hair. I didn't learn how to accentuate my features. I didn't learn about style or clothes. I didn't learn how to flirt without being sarcastic and full of trash talk. 
          I have really wished lately that I would have chosen to be the pretty girl instead of the athletic girl. Now, don't get me wrong I love to play sports-I just wish more of the boys I play against would look at me differently. I have always taken great pride in being one of the guys...lately though, I have felt like I have lost my femininity. I find it weird that I never considered being both. I have learned that it's okay to be gentle, to wear nail polish, to buy earrings, and to ask for help. I want to try really hard to be prettier. It's a little bit of a struggle for me, because for so long I thought that I could only be the athlete or the pretty girl. I could never stand the thought of giving up the athlete; but, now I am realizing that I can be both.
          I think a big part of why I want to change so much has to do with my sister-'The Cheerleader'. She is incredibly talented and athletic: a tumbler. She can flip, cheer, scream, dance, and she does it all well. She is completely fit and built-yet, she is still gorgeous. She knows more about make up and clothes then I do and she has really started maturing. It's a scary thought. Next year she will be a high school cheerleader and I worry about her. What if she's too pretty? I worry about high school boys! My sister is going to be the one girl I always resented growing up in high school, and I have to admit it's a little therapeutic. 
          She has helped me see the world differently and I have no doubt that she was supposed to teach me something. She is different than everyone else in our family. She is still an athlete, she is just something else too. The girl is awesome. She has never been afraid to be herself or to be unique. I learn from her. I love her so much. I am so thankful for such a sweet little sister. She has changed my life-she has changed me. I had a hard time connecting with her for the longest time because our interests were so different. I came home and she wanted to get all dressed up and go to the mall, or the salon, or shopping. I wanted to play nintendo, or watch movies at home in sweats and play football. 
          I didn't know how we could find common ground. I wanted to spend time with her but I wanted both of us to enjoy it as well. I was jealous for a long time too. The sad thing is I know she thinks that I look down on her or think less of her for choosing to be a cheerleader, but the truth is-I admire her. When I call her 'The Cheerleader' it must be made known that it is a sign of respect and support. To her if I could, I would apologize and say, "You are great, truly an inspiration-and hear me when I say there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with you the way you are. You are beautiful on the inside and out and you are one of the most talented people I have ever met. You are warm, charming, sweet, gentle hearted, kind, and loving. You are the definition of a girl and that is an amazing thing."
          This realization has been pretty interesting. Either way, I am grateful for the revelation and the example of my sister in my life. She is my best friend and she is my opposite in every way. I truly wish I could possess more of her Christ like qualities and her passion for life. I learn from her everyday and I think about her often. I miss her when I'm gone and I love going home and sleeping her her pink room. My favorite color is blue. She is helping me to fix some things, but for now I still think shopping is more painful than fun. Who knows, maybe one day she'll change that...I know she will try-and for that I will never stop being grateful. Oh the laughter and joy that you bring into my life little girl. I wish you would never grow up. I want you to stay little forever. 


          I LOVE you little one. Always remember you are the one and only 'Cheerleader' and I wouldn't want you to be anyone else.