My fashionista,

You were an incredible, beautiful young girl inside and out. You were a free spirit from the day you were born, and as you grew up, you became a force to be reckoned with. You sparkled when you walked into a room with your vibrant personality and contagious laugh. Your eyes lit up every time you smiled, brightening up everyone's day around you. 

You were known as a little fashionista with your obsession with clothes, shoes, press-on nails, and makeup.  It was clear early on that you were the only one to choose what you would wear. You loved to put together outfits with bright colors and unique pattern combinations. High heels were your shoes of choice; the more sparkly they were, the better. Your personality shined through the outfits you created.

You had a creative side, for sure. You liked to paint and draw, and yes, when you were very young, you decided the bathroom needed some artwork on the walls, which you brought to life with colorful markers. You got a lot of entertainment from creating random funny videos and having me watch them repeatedly. You liked to perform concerts for the family where you would sing as you twirled your hair and danced around with sparkly high heels. You were, without a doubt, our family's little entertainer. 

You were a great helper, especially in the kitchen. You were very independent and started creating dishes of your own, which weren't always edible. Many dishes contained flour, water, eggs, and every spice in the cupboard. You were a little tornado as you cooked, creating a big mess to clean up. Seeing how happy you were with what you made was all worth it. 

You loved swimming, and I used to joke that you were part fish. The pool was one of your favorite places to be. It didn't matter if the water was freezing; you didn't hesitate to jump in. Getting you out of the pool was no easy task, as you would cross your arms and stomp your way out. You were very dramatic, exiting the pool, making me smile as I watched you thinking, oh geez, she is just like me.

You were caring, sweet, and a great friend to many. You enjoyed playing tag with your school friends while running around the play structure. You were a social butterfly striking up a conversation with everyone around you, instantly making new friends. Storytelling was something you were naturally good at. You came up with some hilarious stories over the years.

You were that girl that everyone loved to be around. When I was told you were no longer with us, my life and many others changed forever. Even though you aren't physically here with us, I know you are always around. There are no words to express how much I miss you. I loved you then, and I will love you always. You were the best big sister to your little brother.

-Mommy