My older brother has always been one of my favorite people in the world. When I was born, my parents told me that my brother always wanted help when my their hands got a little full. As I grew older I became more and more of a handful -- always teething on my brother's Power Rangers and always trying to find a way to get him in trouble. Still, through all the annoyances I put my brother through, he remained a genuinely amazing brother. Our memories may fade with time, but these are the things I hope my big brother never forgets:

1. I still look up to you.

As a toddler I copied everything you did because I thought you were the coolest kid ever. I know that when I was 16 I acted like I knew everything and ignored everything you said to me, but I secretly knew that you were right (most of the time). Here I am, almost 21 years later, and you're still a role model to me.

2. I can never thank you enough for getting me out of my awful music stages.

I know you still think I listen to some lame music, but I think we can both agree that my taste in music has skyrocketed since high school. It's cool that we can talk about music and be able to bond over the same artists.

3. No matter where life takes us, you will always be the one I tell everything to.

We've gotten a lot closer the more we've grown up and because of that, you are one of the only people I tell literally everything to. Thanks for always being down to chat. I'll be just a phone call away for the rest of our lives, you can count on that.

4. I still don't forgive you for eating all of my holiday candy.

How dare you, first of all. Second of all, thank you for basically teaching me how to master hiding my things. Last but not least, I took some of yours too.

5. Your approval means more to me than you know.

I know that I may seem like I've got it all together and that I don't really care what people think, and that's true...for the most part. I don't care what my peers think, but I do care what you think. I value your opinion. Whether it be about boys I've dated, Greek life, or even just fashion, I care what you have to say.

6. You're the one who taught me not to care what people think.

I am the way I am because I have something unique and beautiful to bring to this life. Believe it or not, you're the one who showed me that. You taught me to never mold myself to the expectations brought on by the people around me, and you taught me that it's never too late to change.

7. You're also the one who taught me not to judge.

You really taught me that everyone is uniquely themselves and we are all human. There is no reason to think anything other than nice things about anyone without knowing who they are as a person. You taught me to live with an open heart.

8. I loved when you let me hangout with you and your friends.

I know that you really only let me play with you guys because mom made you, but it was still the highlight of my day. Every single time.

9. It meant so much to me having you at my sport events.

Volleyball, dance, soccer, t-ball, you name it. I know you very rarely wanted to go, but you were there anyways. Even when it was up to you and not mom and dad, you still came most of the time. I'll never forget how good that made me feel.

10. I know how to protect myself thanks to you.

If I were to ever be in a situation where I had to protect myself from a boy, I'd like to think that I'd be just fine, because of all the times you've made me punch your hands repeatedly and all the times you played rough with me.

11. I will always treasure the pictures I make you take.

I can't hear your complaining over how precious our pictures are to me.

12. I appreciate all that you've ever done for me.

I only pretend when I act like you're suffocating me and being too protective. I know that it's your job to love me and to scare away any boys who don't see how much of a treasure I am to you. Thank you so much for always being there for me and for always being the first one ready to mess up anyone that hurts me.

13. No words amount to how proud of you I am.

You've made it to the real world and I couldn't be more proud of you. I know it wasn't easy getting to where you are now, but all the hard work you've been putting in has paid off. I will always be your biggest, proudest fan.

14. I hope we never drift apart.

I never want to lose the relationship that we have with each other. It's pretty common these days for siblings to grow apart and lose touch, but I never want that to happen to us. You are one of my biggest blessings. I love you.