For as long as I can remember, you have always been one of my best friends. In fact, you were probably the first. Since the day I was born, you always looked after me; whether you made it clear to me or not, I always knew. When I got sick, you never went to me to ask how I was doing -- you would ask mom or dad and they would let you know -- but they always told me you were asking about me and that warmed my heart. We used to spend all our days together playing in the sandbox in the backyard, riding our bikes around the neighborhood, or playing with legos in the basement. Even if we were doing our separate things, I always loved just hanging around you.
You have been a role model for me since I was a young girl. I always wanted to follow your lead; when mom taught you how to tie your shoes, I watched how you did it and that's how I learned myself. We used to do everything together from science experiments in the kitchen to just going to school together. But since middle school, we don't spend nearly as much time together. When we lived in the same state, both our lives were so busy that we never got the chance to spend genuine time with one another. That being so, it made it more special to me when you would cancel plans to see my dance recitals or take time off work to see me graduate. Now when I do get the chance to see you, it's when I'm home on break from school and even then, it's more of a passing hello as I come in the door as you leave for work.
Even though I don't see or talk to you as much as I would like, I still appreciate you more than words can say. Your success in school makes me so proud and although you underestimate yourself, you truly are doing an amazing job. We always dreamed of living in Florida when we grew up and now that I go to school down there, it makes me nostalgic thinking of all the summers we spent together down here at Nana and Pop-pop's. You used to say you would come here for school after you got your associates degree, but you fell in love instead. And although that keeps you from me, I am so incredibly happy for you; your new balance of school, work, and your girlfriend is admirable, you try your hardest to balance your time and do the best you can do.
I'm writing this in honor of your birthday that just passed and now that you are officially an adult, I want you to know how much the first 21 years of your life meant to me. You helped shape me into the person I am today; the love you always have for me makes me want to try my hardest every day to make my family proud. I never want you to think I forgot about you, I actually think about you everyday; I even tell my friends all about you... but don't worry, it's all good things. You are the best big brother I could have asked for and am forever grateful that I have you in my life.
