Thank you.

         Growing up, my life wasn't filled with riches or a full, happy family. Mom was away, unable to see me and my sister for a long time. My sister was the one who had to take care of me and teach me things. I was ungrateful; I'd scream, cry, and be grumpy when things didn't go my way. Even though my sister would try to calm me down with toys, or ice cream, I'd still be a bit mad. Whenever I had trouble in school, my sister would be there. Whenever I fell off a scooter or bike, my sister was there to heal my wounds, even though she still had her own wounds to heal. She'd always take care of mine first.

Our mother couldn't help us much since she was far away and couldn't visit. We were stuck in a cage, surrounded by gnarly beasts, like two zebras trapped with a tiger—or rather, a hungry lion. Even though some zebras can outrun lions, this one couldn't escape its dirty claws. I was thoughtless and just lived my childhood as best I could, while my sister had to give up hers for mine—a little child stuck in a grown-up's body.That's why I thank you. I thank you for not leaving me alone when I was scared to shower by myself as a child. I thank you for cooking for me. I thank you for trying to find food when we had none, because our father was too drunk, stuck in the garage. I thank you for comforting me when my father's hands left their marks on me. I thank you for being there for me when I was bullied and on the verge of leaving this world behind. And most of all, I thank you for being a mother to me when ours was not around, for being strong and brave even though you were facing your own problems.You will always be the mother I once knew. I thank you for teaching me your ways and helping me become who I am now. You're all grown up, you've moved out, and you even have a daughter of your own. How quickly time flies, You are now truly a mother. I'll always be grateful to have a sister like you, and your inner child will always remain happy in your heart.