Dear Cousins,

I wanted to write you all to tell you something I know I don't tell you nearly enough; I love you. I'll say it again; I love you. This is the most important thing I could ever say to you, and although we definitely do not always get along I will always be here for you.

As we have gotten older our relationships have seemed to weaken. I used to see some of you every single day and others I'd see just about every weekend. I admit I took that time with you for granted and now that we are all living our own separate lives, I'd give just about anything to have it back. I miss spending mornings with you at the pool; going on shopping trips with our grandparents; watching the planes take off at Dulles; playing in our grandparents yard after school; and all those little day trips we would take together.

So, in this letter, I want to make a few things abundantly clear.

First, if you need someone to talk to at four in the morning, call me... and leave a message. We all know I sleep with my phone on silent. This is a good thing. Wake me up and I'll bite your head off. But I promise to call you first thing when I wake up.

Second, if you're in trouble with the parentals, need a ride home after a night on the town, need a break from your own life, whatever, I'm here to help you. Each of you has a sibling to turn to whenever life is getting you down. I envy you for that and because of this, I vow to always be there at your side when you need me (to the best of my ability that is; I mean I can't fix everything).

Third, know I would never let anyone hurt you. I may not be the biggest or the strongest out of us, but I do have the biggest bite to my bark. I will stand up for you in every way possible and I will help you stand on your own two feet when they seem a little shaky.

Finally, a few of you are about to be heading off to college in a few weeks. Know I am so incredibly proud of you! I know you both will do absolutely amazing at whatever you decide to pursue! College is a whole new territory; try to make the best of everything campus life has to offer you, but also know my door is always open when you need a little get away.

All my love!