"He's my most beloved friend and my bitterest rival,
my confidant and my betrayer,
my sustainer and my dependent,
and scariest of all, my equal."
-Gregg Levoy

Little brother,

Today I sat in a crowded cathedral and watched you accept your high school diploma. As everyone around me stood to their feet and cheered on your graduating class, I couldn't help but fight back tears as the lump in my throat grew larger. It was the same lump I felt when I first noticed the stubble of hair growing on your face when you were 15, and when your once high pitched voice deepened to a tenor; the one that was there when you posed for your senior prom pictures, and the one that formed when you went on your very first college visit. In fact, recently I haven’t quite been able to shake that lump. The truth is, it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that you’re growing up. Slowly but surely, before my very eyes, you’re becoming a man.

As cliché as it seems, it’s as if just yesterday we were kids. I cannot begin to put into words how blessed I am to be your sister. Thanks for being the Bonnie to my Clyde, the Beavis to my Butthead, and the Ying to my Yang. Sure, you were the cause of my first bruise, you've made up most of my embarrassing nicknames, and we've fought more than an old married couple; but you were also the first shoulder I've ever cried on, my partner in crime, and my biggest supporter. Thank you for the car-ride rap battles, the impromptu movie nights, and for never telling mom and dad--EVER. Thank you for shamelessly telling me when I should stop eating, for willingly giving me the bigger half over everything we split, and for always knowing just what to say. You’re not only my little brother, but you’re also my very best friend.

I know this is the part when I’m supposed to tease you and say that you’ll always be my little brother no matter how old you get, and although that may be true, I couldn’t be more proud of the man you are becoming. In a few short months you’ll be off to college finding your own way in this big world. You’ll have exiting moments that I won’t be there to see, memories that I won’t be there to witness, and challenges that I won’t be able to walk you through. But one thing’s for sure, I know that you are ready. I’ve watched you mature from a stubborn child to a man with relentless dedication, from a curious little boy into a man who knows the true value of wisdom, and most importantly, you’ve kept your sweet spirit every step of the way. You have a unique spark in you and I can’t wait to witness you ignite the world. And of course, I’ll always be here just in case you need a little extra fuel.

I may not say this as often as I should, but I love you to the moon and back—and then some. I may even love you more than I love burritos and we BOTH know that's a heck of a lot. I'm so proud of you kiddo!

OK, sentimental moment's over...

With Love,

Your Big Sister