Through the years, I've learned to appreciate my older brother and everything he does. We aren't extremely close, as in we don't talk on a regular basis. We don't share the same father. We have taken different paths and we are different people. However, as much as I have learned to embrace our differences, I have also learned to accept the similar characteristics we do share. As we grow older many things will change however, some things never will.

Dear Big Brother,

I think you should know just how important you and your overly sarcastic remarks mean to me. I have always looked up to you and admired the strong man you are, even when I didn't show it or tell you. I have always been so proud to call you my brother and I will continue to be so.

I can say we are very different people. I have always been so social where you have always stuck to your friends. You have always been the most caring, and loved to help everyone. I admired the work you always put into something you loved, and how you never let it be anything less than your best. Whether it was football or games, you always strive to achieve your best. I admire this so much about you. You have taught me what it means to work hard and never back down. You have continuously shown me that hard work pays off, and you rely on no one else to accomplish what you should yourself. You showed me what it means to have tough love (like, really tough love). You taught me how to fight and stand up for myself, even if the person towers over you. You also taught me how to care about people even when I have too much pride. I wish I could put into words everything I have learned as your little sister.

I'm sorry I was an ignorant freshman when you were a senior. I'm also sorry I've never been with one guy you liked. The truth is, no one compares to you or papa. Well, there was one, and I'm sorry you couldn't meet him, but if you ever get the chance, you could ask about him (he would have been your favorite). I'm sorry for screaming how much I hated you when you were only trying to protect me. The older I get, the more I wish I wouldn't have taken my older brother for granted. You've moved away and started a family of your own, so it's not as intimidating to guys anymore. I can't get out of talking to someone, because I tell them who my brother is and they know instantly to leave me alone. I also want to say thank you for saving me as a freshman when I thought that senior boy was so cool. I've heard plenty of stories about you when it comes to your little sister, and they get me every time. I hope one day, I find a man that can be half as good as you and papa. I've learned to never settle for anything less.

I'll be the first one to tell your children good luck when it comes to boys. I've had plenty of experience with you in this area. I'll be the first one to tell them they can always come stay with me when their parents are just too mean. I am so proud of the older brother I have and the best sister-in-law he could have given me. Out of the two of us, one of us had to actually fall in love with someone. I am who I am. You are who you are. We are different people. However, the crazy stories you won't tell me, everyone else does. I think we're more alike than we think. We are also both so protective over each other. I just have an easier job because you chose an amazing wife. I, in turn made your job a little harder, so thanks.

I hope you know how much you mean to me and how proud I am to call you my older brother. Thank you for always picking on me, fighting with me, standing up for me, looking out for my best interests, protecting me and being someone I can count on. It truly means the world to me.

Love always,

Your Annoying Little Sister