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An Extraordinary Thank You: An Open Letter to My Big Sis

Cheyenne Halberg
Hannah Hippensteel
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Winona chapter.

Dear Big Sis,

 

From playing in the mud to blessing me with my two nieces, Savannah and Adelyn, you have always found a way to pull on my heartstrings. I don’t say it often because our relationship isn’t exactly like that. Given recent circumstances and your help through it all, I owe you a really big thank you—for everything.

 

From the beginning, you always protected me from bullies. You applied the typical sister code to all situations: you could pick on me all you want, but the second someone else put me down, you would stick up for me. To this day, you can bully me. However, if a friend or a crush of mine treats me badly, you pull no punches. 

 

That isn’t the only way you have protected me; you have also saved me from myself. There aren’t many people who understand my depression and family situation as you do. I would never wish depression on anybody—it is the worst feeling in the world—but you can understand my lonesomeness and emptiness when nobody else can. You make the loneliness feel less lonely.

 

My nieces entered this world, and I immediately had two new beautiful human beings to fight to stay alive for. You get a lot of negative comments thrown at you because you are a stay-at-home mom, but I recognize all the work you do. You encourage them to be strong, independent young ladies, and as much as I don’t want them to grow up, I know they will make helpful contributions in the future.

 

I would be lying if I said there weren’t times where I temporarily hate your guts. However, the best thing about us is that we are both willing to apologize and recognize when we do something wrong. I love you beyond belief, big sis. Thank you for everything you have offered and continue to offer in my life.

 

Lovingly, your proud and thankful little sis,

Cheyenne Halberg

 

P.S. Thanks again for ordering me pizza when I was broke!

 

Cheyenne Halberg is a student at Winona State University with a major in Communication Arts and Literature Teaching. She is from the outskirts of St. Cloud, MN. Cheyenne enjoys writing to express herself and empowering others to do what they love. Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, watching football, spending time outdoors, crafting and writing. Her life goal is to leave an impression on the next generations that allows them to embrace their unique qualities.
My name is Hannah Hippensteel, and I like to say I'm a Chicago city-slicker, but I'm actually from the 'burbs. I'm currently a senior at Winona State with a major in mass communication-journalism and a minor in sociology. Catch me enjoying all Winona has to offer: the bluffs, the incomparable Bloedow's Bakery, and not to mention, Minnesota boys. With a goal of working at Teen Vogue, Seventeen or Glamour magazine, I'm soaking up every opportunity to keep my finger on the pulse and share my personal voice!