We’re 1,367 miles apart. I’m in Texas. My sister, Gabby, is in Maryland.

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is a place too familiar to me. It’s where we have shared good memories like singing along to the radio in the car and bad memories like when the moment hits that we realize how little time we have left together. It has been two years since my sister officially moved to Maryland but each plane ride never seems to get any easier. Even though she tries to visit frequently, no matter how hard we try, there is no stopping the tears from an airport goodbye.

Growing up was a constant struggle. Not having a good relationship with my dad, if it even qualifies as a relationship, left an empty space in me only to be filled with vulnerability. That being the case, my sister never failed to console me because she endured similar experiences. Over long, heartfelt talks, we slowly became inseparable. She gives me all the support I need, the support I never truly got from my parents. Whenever I have a question, she is always there with an answer.

I can always show her my funny side, no matter how embarrassing. Whether it is my obnoxious karaoking or my trendy, albeit, ugly dancing, even the corny jokes. The list goes on. We even share the same sense of humor. People say we are the same person, though I was born seven years later, and I couldn’t agree more.

Today, she still helps me with everything I do. From advice on how to deal with family, to college applications, or even choosing what outfits I should wear to school the next day. She taught me how to cope with outrageous Asian parent standards. She taught me how to not be so stressed about school or the little things. She doesn’t make a big deal of my stupid mistakes. She taught me how to have patience. She taught me to be confident in myself.

She gives me everything I need and more, everything she never got. Throwing my first birthday party. Awarding me with shopping sprees for good grades. Buying me my own laptop. Taking family vacations to ease the stresses at home. Places like the Bahamas, New York City, Miami and Cozumel remain as unforgettable adventures. And soon, another trip to come.

We make sure never to lose contact. Texting through a messaging app almost every day keeps us connected in each other’s lives. We video chat for hours at a time. We send each other links we think the other sibling will find amusing. We screenshot each other’s funny Snapchats. We share our music playlists. We are close even though we are far apart.

This long distance thing doesn’t seem so long after all.