“Grandma, is she here yet? Can we go see her?” I whispered across the table as I put my crayons down.

“She’s on her way, dear. Just be patient and finish coloring your pretty picture.”

I sat there in the hospital waiting room for what seemed like ages. I was so nervous to meet my new baby sister. I tried to keep coloring, but my mind wouldn't focus. Questions flew through my mind and I couldn't quit wondering if she would like me or not. I had the talk with my mother earlier about how I would have to share my toys with her and be especially careful around her because she was so fragile.
The problem was, I didn't want to share my toys. I didn't want my parents to forget about me and only pay attention to the new baby. Maybe I didn't want a baby sister just yet. She would ruin everything. Is it too late to give her back? Would I have to change her smelly diapers? I couldn't stop thinking about all of the negative effects of having a little sister. But then I hear, “Cierra, do you want to see her?” I grinned from ear to ear and grabbed my grandmother’s hand.

The minute I saw her face, she looked so angelic. Her big, twinkling eyes seemed to be staring right at me as I walked through the door. I was so shocked at how small she was.

“What’s her name, Momma?” I asked, without taking my eyes off of the little girl.

“Her name is Bailey. Would you like to hold her?”

I didn't even have to answer. My father was already crossing the room with the baby and helping me hold her safely. She was so delicate and all I could think about was being the best big sister ever. I was going to have her back no matter what and I would always protect her. In that moment, I felt so responsible and I knew my life was about to change forever. I wanted to be her best friend.

“Momma, can we take her home now?” I asked, still holding her in my arms.

“Not yet, but soon.” she replied, while smiling about how excited I was.

“What’s this on her head, momma? Is something wrong with her?”

“No, that’s her birthmark. You have one too; it’s like a kiss from an angel.”

I knew right then that this little girl was so special. I wanted to teach her everything I knew. In that moment though, I had no idea how many life lessons she would soon teach me. Looking into her eyes, I could tell that she already meant the world to me.

“Come on Cierra, we've got to take you home now,” my grandmother said while taking Bailey and giving her back to my father.

“But grandma, we can’t just leave her here!”

“We won’t. You will see her later at home,” she replied while letting out a small chuckle.

Thinking of having a little baby at home excited me and I couldn't wait. I wanted to show her my room and play dress-up with her. I wanted to show her off to all of my friends. I knew she was still really small, but I still wanted to play games, go swimming, and jump on the trampoline with her. I was just so excited to see her grow up. I wanted to be there when she started crawling and I wanted to see her take her first step.

I got into my grandmother’s car and stared out the window. I could still see her face in my mind and I could still hear her soft cry. I knew that once she came home, nothing would be the same. I would learn that not everything was going to be about me. We had a new member of the family and she required a lot of attention, so I had to learn to be patient. I was going to have to be responsible and take care of her so she didn’t hurt herself. I loved her unconditionally and I wanted her to be able to come and talk to me about anything. I wanted her to be able to look up to me and I wanted to be her role model.

Bailey came into my life for a reason. At first, I was unsure of what that reason was, but now it’s all very clear. She has taught me that life isn't always going to be easy. She taught me that it’s not all about where you are going, but the journey that it takes to get there and the people you meet along the way. Having a little sister has taught me many great qualities that will help me in the future like friendship, responsibility, organization, and patience. I am so grateful for her presence in my life and I can only hope that I have made as big of an impact on her life as she has on mine.