November 16 2016

Happy Birthday to My Older Sister, Grace

I just got off the phone with my oldest sister, Grace, who I consider to be one of my best friends. Today is her birthday. Growing up and having two sisters, I got to develop strong bonds with the both of them. The two couldn’t be more opposite, they bring out completely different sides of me. I always tell people that “I’m somewhere in the middle” of those two. While Carol is all about cooking and crafting, Grace is the fashion guru who’s heavy into politics. Since I wrote that open letter to Carol, I thought, today, that I would do the same for my other sister, Grace.

Here goes.

Dear Grace,

If there is one thing I know in life, it’s that you got my back. While we were living together, when I got my first job at MTV, you were always there for me, making sure I wasn’t working myself to death. Our bond is strong, we’ve been through a traumatic childhood yet we somehow managed to turn out ok. I think this is in large part due to you, our “mother hen.”

Thank you for taking charge of every birthday and holiday, for making sure we all meet up as a family. You help us remember what’s important in life.

If it wasn’t for the confidence you gave me, I would never have started my first company, My Modern Met. You never doubted that it would be successful (or at least you hid it very well). Now that I’m at a crossroads with my career, thank you for your encouraging words and your unwavering support.

I’ve always looked up to you for your fashion sensibility, you somehow make anything you wear look effortlessly chic. I’ll always remember the times you took me shopping, when I had an important meeting or a speech to give. You even flew all the way to Utah for me and Bom (Eugene) when we gave our first speech on behalf of My Modern Met, at Alt Summit.

I know I’m not a good phone person so I appreciate how you give me my space, to come to you when I’m ready. Your love is deep and I can feel it every day.

I appreciate the relationship we have. I tell myself who needs a bunch of friends when I have my two sisters as my best friends?

Remember when I broke down in Mexico? Unsure of who I was, I questioned all of my relationships. I didn’t feel like I could trust anyone but I had you and Jae (Carol). You guys always give it to me straight and I appreciate that. I never have to doubt your authenticity, question your motives.

I love you more than you’ll ever know. I don’t say it but I feel it. Please remember that.

Love, always and forever,
Naya

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