I can still see her standing there, in her big puffy jacket, cute small mittens grasping her cold frozen hands, with the smell of burning leaves coming from somewhere in the distance. I missed those days, where we would still play outside, even if it was freezing. The sound of crinkling leaves was indefinite, and nothing could beat the feeling of taking a sip of hot chocolate, after being in the crisp cool air for so long. We used to spend our autumn days climbing this very tree I stand next to now. Yet, its only a stump today. How could our glorious tall tree ever get cut down? It used to be so strong and dependable. At this very moment, a mixture of turkey, mushy pumpkins and hot chocolate all seems to be somewhere near, due to the smell. 

Even though you didn’t know it, older sister, you were my hero. I had still look up you. That day that we will never forget, well, I never though you’d sacrifice and do so much for me. We were taking our basset hound, Biscuit for a walk. I begged, and begged to hold her leash, and you finally gave in and handed me the smooth rope. Biscuit was stronger than me, and while you lagged back to pick up your fallen hat, she bucked off her leash. I was so young. I remember panicking, screaming and crying. You carried me home, put on my favorite movie, and told me not to worry, while I fell asleep. To my surprise, when I woke up, Biscuit was there. She was home. You missed your Halloween party with your friends, and spent the afternoon looking for Biscuit. 

The next day, again, instead of going out with your friends, you stayed at home so I wouldn’t be alone. We went in the front yard, and climbed to a high part of the tree. You said, “Lets carve our name and it will always be there, reminding us that we have to take care of each other”. So, we carved our names. We then walked to the candy store. You spent your allowance on candy for me. Two months later, in a storm our tree where we promised we would always be there for each other, fell down. 

Even though you didn’t hang out with your friends, and even though you didn’t spend your allowance on yourself, you were always happy. And even though you will never read this, I wanted to thank you. And even though our tree of promise to be there for each other is gone, I will always be there for you.