An Open Letter To Big Brothers From Your Little Sisters

What's up Bro-tato chip,

We may have just seen each other yesterday, or maybe it's been a few months since we've laughed in each other's company. Nonetheless, here's a few words from the ol' ticker that I want you to hear.

I know, I know... I'm you're younger sister. The one you still mentally think of as 10 years old. But I'm an adult now. I'm old enough to drink alcohol. I am free to date. And in a few short semesters, I'll most likely attend graduate school in another state. Although these things may seem scary or foreign for your baby sis to experience, fear not! For we both know you'll always be there to catch me if things go south.

I've looked up to you my whole life. Yes, even when you made that Taco Bell run shortly after mom gave birth to me at the hospital. You were one of the first human connections I made. Your unconditional love was, and still is, unmeasured. And I want you to know how grateful I am to have you in my life.

We may or may not have had meaningless quarrels over the years about trivial matters. And we may or may not have experienced some rather shitty times together. Yet here we are. Still going strong. I'd say... stronger than ever.

It's difficult to wrap our minds around the future and foresee what it holds for us. When it comes that time for Mom to ascend into the sky to join Dad and the rest of our loved ones, it's down to you and me, kid. Us versus this crazy, confusing, spectacular world. No matter what, we have to be there for each other. We mustn't ever forget that.

One day, you will meet the love of your life. I implore you to please be patient while waiting for her. Good people are out there. I mean, look at us, right? I don't think we turned out so bad. You have to hold out for someone who will earn your love and respect you as the man that you were yesterday, the man you are today, and the man you strive to become tomorrow.

As for me, I'll be setting my standards high because my exemplary model of who a man should

be for his family is you. Help me never to settle for someone less than I deserve. Tell me if I'm dating a whack job or if the guy is truly worth my time. Your blessing matters to me.

I expect you to tell me when I've gone off the deep end, or when I've gained a little too much booty weight, or when you think I've gone stagnant. But also when you're proud of me.

Because let me tell you something. I don't think I've ever been more proud of you than I am today. You have stepped up countless times to face some unfair cards our family has been dealt. You continue to sacrifice for us. And you do it all out of the goodness of your heart. No one can be taught to love like that.

And most importantly, I don't want you to EVER think, not for a nanosecond, that you have failed me as a brother. If anyone is my best friend, it's you. I wouldn't know how to live life without you as my sibling-in-crime. I give zero hockey pucks if you are a work-in-progress. We all are. So those insecurities and burdens you carry? Release them.

Cheers to more crude jokes, self-development, and countless memories. I will forever stand beside you in this roller coaster ride of life.

Hugs,

Your Little Sis