What if I were to tell you that beauty runs in my family. That if beauty only runs skip deep, I found someone who has re-defined it. This blog post goes out to a person who is the heart and soul of our family. She is the rock that has turned into fossil, forever implanting our family values. Her name is unique, but her love is genuine. This person I’m talking about goes by the name of Michaeli, her title is my sister; but to me she’s a little more than that–she’s also one of my best-friends.

Being a Myers’ isn’t easy. You are expected and suspected of so much from the family and the community around you. You are expected to give more than you receive, to be there when no one else is and to live your entire life as an underdog. We were meant to surprise people and to dream every night like an American.

Like any team you need everyone to play their role in order to be successful. We all bring out the best in each other. We all take pride not in ourselves, but in each others’ accomplishments. We are each others’ biggest critics and cheerleaders. I’ve written a lot about both my brothers’ accomplishments in hockey. What you might not know, is that my sister is one hell of an athlete as well. I’ve never written about it because it is such a different culture that I’m not too familiar with. She started out as a dancer–taking local ballet classes in Bedford than Manchester. I remember her first dance recital at the mall in which she cried at and never ended up performing at like it was yesterday–oppps she’s going to kill me for that one. She than switched over to cheer leading around the time she became a teenager. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone pick up something so quickly and with ease. I don’t know the technicality of cheer-leading but she was a flyer and she could fly with the best of them. She garnered MVP awards, traveled the country performing at national tournaments, and was named captain as a junior.

I don’t want to write this post though on how high she can fly. I want to write it on how she has made me a better guy. I have asked a lot from my family. Michaeli didn’t sign up to be the only sister of three brothers who are all close in age. Neither did I sign up to be an achondroplasia dwarf of a family who is all average sized. Early acceptance from both of us was crucial in order for this family to work. Out of anyone in the city of Manchester, I ask for the most help. I ask a lot out of my family and that includes emotional support, Michaeli has answered my cry probably the most. I understand I’m not easy to live with, but with the help of Michaeli she’s made it easier to live.

Like every brother and sister we have had our share of rough patches. Our rough patch happened when I was in high-school. To summarize the problem, she was perfect and I was ignorant. She had it all and it made me feel very small. Her personality matches my moms. She is bubbly, kind, out-going,  encouraging, and friendly. Her strengths made me feel weak. I felt like I couldn’t provide the physical presence to fight off creepy boys for her. What I didn’t understand is that girls don’t always get a long with girls, so they need a few boys to count on for friendship. This whole entire time she was just being herself. When it came time to ship off to college our relationship forever changed.

We can talk to each other about anything and everything now. We understand each others strengths and weaknesses because of how similar we are. I feel out of anyone in my family Michaeli and I are the most alike. Michaeli and I won’t kill you with intelligence but we will try to kill you with kindness. She can talk your ear off and blind you with her smile at the same time. You won’t walk away from her unchanged. She’s young and confident and always has her heart in the right place.

She’s graduating in June and I couldn’t be more proud of her. I am looking forward to that day the most this summer. I get to see my sister walk at the Verizon, hopefully shake Adam Sandler’s hand, receive a piece of paper that has tremendous value, toss a cap and go directly to the airport to board a plane to Las Vegas. Like me nothing has come easy for my sister. We have to work our tail off for everything in life. So it’s the little things that have the most meaning to us.

Michaeli I just want to say thank you on behalf of all the brothers (Mac and Mitch). A blog post, a hug, or a gift will never truly make up for all of the hockey practices, games and tournaments you have been dragged too. It meant a lot to me and I never played, I can’t even imagine the gratitude Mackenzie and Mitchel have towards you. Your support means something, your love means everything to us. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for you and I most certainly won’t be who I am  tomorrow if it weren’t for your continuous support.

I know you know how to dream. You are so young, so continue to have fun. When the future is foggy always know you there are 5 pairs of hands back home ready to tackle the storm with you. Use your judgement and your heart. Don’t make instant decisions and act quickly, time is on your side. I am so excited to see what the future holds for you. You should be too. I only have one more year here in Durham, this is an open invite to visit whenever. Lets get coffee, let’s get lunch, let’s get drunk. Thank you once again for being such a crucial part to our family. Thank you for being the best big “little sister” I could ever ask for.

Love you.