Growing up, I was the oldest of three siblings. Older friends and family would tell me that my younger brother and sister were lucky to have me to look up to for guidance. What most people don't realize is that I have learned just as much from them as they have learned from me. We don't have perfect relationships, and fighting is not a rare incident, but I know at the end of the day they will always have my back. I could go on for days about why I am thankful for them; but I've narrowed it down to 17 things for which I can thank my younger siblings.
1. Thank you for being my loudest cheerleader.
Whether I got an A on a test, made it onto the dance team, or got into my dream school, you were always there to cheer me on.
2. Thank you for being my toughest critic.
I'll always be grateful that you didn't let me wear that hideous outfit on my first date or give up on studying for my calculous test.
3. Thank you for making me laugh.
Your weird sense of humor has never failed to brighten my day.
4. Thank you for putting me in my place when I was out of line.
I'm sure Mom and Dad would like to also thank you for calling me out when I was acting like a brat.
5. Thank you for being my personal army.
My enemies are your enemies. School was always safer with you around.
6. Thank you for being my therapist.
It must get old listening to me vent about my latest life crisis. Thank you for doing it, anyway.
7. Thank you for making me look good.
It is true that nobody is perfect. So thank you for messing up and making me look like the golden child on occasion.
8. Thank you for being my scapegoat.
And for the times that I was at fault, thank you for being there to take the blame (sorry for telling Mom and Dad that you broke their crystal vase).
9. Thank you for keeping me entertained.
Ten-hour road trips would've been impossible without you.
10. Thank you for keeping my secrets.
You'd probably go as far as to helping me hide a body.
11. Thank you for trusting me.
Not only do I love that I can trust you with anything, I love that you trust me with your secrets too.
12. Thank for always surprising me.
Every time I come home from college I'm surprised to find that you've matured more and more each visit. I love seeing you surprise me with your new grown up ways.
13. Thank you for always being weird with me.
I can always count on you to rap Eminem songs with me when we drive, or or when we impersonate our favorite skits from SNL.
14. Thank you for making me feel special.
There hasn't been a birthday or Christmas that has passed without a gift and a heartfelt card from you.
15. Thank you for making memories with me.
Our inside jokes are endless. I'd bet money that when we are 60 years old we will still laugh about what you did that one summer at our lake cabin.
16. Thank you for keeping me young.
I have you to tell me what's cool and what's lame with younger kids these days.
17. Thank you for being my best friend.
You were my best friends from the second I got to hold you, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
