From ridiculously competitive family monopoly games that lasted late into the night, to squeezing onto the piano bench playing and singing Beauty and the Beast songs, to spending an entire evening with cucumbers on our eyes at the “Raush Sister’s Spa,” to dancing around the kitchen island with the music cranked as loud as it goes, to filming entire talk shows with special guest appearances donning the craziest things in our dress up bin, to raking big piles of leaves just so we could jump in them, to tuning in every Wednesday night at 8 PM for American Idol from the floor of our family room while eating tacos on a picnic blanket, to dressing our dogs up for a fashion show and the photo shoot that followed, to running down the steps Christmas morning every year in our brand new pajamas to see if Santa had come…

After all our wonderful years of childhood, and all the memories even beyond the ones listed above — it’s hard to believe that in just eight days (EIGHTTTTT DAYSSSSS!!!!!!!) Emily will marry her best friend and soul mate. Sisterhood is a powerful thing. It’s a bond that draws you close no matter the distance that separates you or the things you go through in life. I’m thankful. For the blessing of TWO sisters, for the trio we’ve formed, for the loving influence our parents have had on us, for a little brother that protects his big sisters like it’s his job. I am BLESSED.

And she’s everything you could ask for in a biggest sister: A sharer of secrets. A moral supporter. An optimist. A sounding board. A true friend. A great listener. A comforter. A cheerleader. An advice giver. A role model.

The cherry on top? In eight days, I will GAIN a big brother. Yes, while some people view marriage as a member leaving the family, I’m choosing to view it as someone joining. ;) And there isn’t anything better than that!