These are just a few of the many lessons my brothers taught me growing up. From spending nights with my youngest brother when he is sick, to giving advice to my other brother about girls and life, these two have shown me so many things. Despite their young age, these two continue to teach me more and more every day, and truly are my inspiration and my strength.

1. Failing is okay

This lesson I learned is my favorite one. Both my 9-year-old brother and my 15-year-old brother are sports junkies. Despite past failures and doubtful people, they continue to amaze me by getting right back on their feet, and giving a little more effort each time they get back up.

2. Patience is virtue

Growing up with a brother who was only 3 years younger than I was anything but easy. No one could test my patience more than him when he was stealing my stuffed animals or when he would not share his LEGOS because "they're his". But, if you can learn to have patience with a younger sibling, you can have patience with anyone.

3. It's important to cherish the little things

Something so small as driving around with my brothers, singing to the radio or spending a Saturday night watching a movie you have already seen 5 times just to make them happy are memories I will forever treasure.

4. Someone is always watching

The older I grew, the more I learned the importance of setting a good example. Having to be the bigger person in exchange for teaching a lesson is not always the easiest, but it is most essential.

5. Perfection is boring

My messy, loud, weird, and irritating brothers are anything but perfect, but I would not want them any other way,

6. Materialistic things do not matter

I cannot even begin to count how many times my brothers have given me garden picked flowers from down the street or a chicken-scratch written card in marker for my birthday or for the holidays. Those small, cheap, yet thoughtful gifts are ones I will keep for a lifetime.

7. Growing up isn't easy, but if you're not alone, it can be

Inching closer and closer to adulthood each and every day is scary and stressful, but knowing I have two of my biggest supporters by my side to guide me and to show me what life is all about, makes it that much easier.

8. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all

We may not have the biggest house, the best cars, or a picture perfect life, but we have each other's support and love, and to get through this life, that is all we will ever need.