Dearest Riley,

This letter is one of the hardest pieces of writing I have ever made. It could easily turn into one of the longest letters I will have ever written, but for the sake of short-lived, boyish attention spans and utmost kindness from my heart, I will keep this at some sort of limit.

I have started and restarted this letter countless times in my efforts to find the right words. At every attempt, I am finding that I cannot easily describe our relationship. Every time I think of you or see you, I am in awe of the person you have become and are growing to be. It is very difficult to describe to other people just how precious and fragile of a bond we have always had.

If I could choose one driving force for this letter, it would be gratitude. I cannot thank you enough for your love, humor, perfect timing, practical wisdom, and servant’s heart. Even though you are three-and-a-half years younger than me and have always been in a different school, you are bright, wise and well beyond your years in character of heart and spirit. You are one of my most esteemed role models. You embody joy, grace, and humility. And I thank you, so, so much, for leading by example. Because I have spent 16 years of my life looking after you, looking forward to your growth in Christ, and now looking up – literally – to you (because you are now easily a head taller than me and will never let me forget it), I have been changed, for lack of better words.

Thank you for always keeping me busy. Poke wars, thumb-wrestle matches, and staring contests are far more entertaining than any Xbox game or TV show. However, our favorite YouTube videos are ever-present in our conversations, and our biggest fights have been started by faulty Mario Bros matches. I could listen to your stories for hours, and I can’t bring myself to delete gross Photobooth selfies or impromptu dance videos we made six years ago in your room. I wish away winter so we can get back in the pool for our rituals and games that will never get old or boring. Thank you for distracting me from homework so I can breathe easy and create memories along the way. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your creative processes. Thank you for letting me forever be a child. Thank you for teaching me diligence and patience when it comes to new ideas and unique methods.

Mom and I always talk about the “secret code” we have together as siblings and partners-in-crime. Our jokes derive from the most ridiculous and age-old happenings that have absolutely no relevance to our current lives. We can look at each other and laugh. Whether it be in the car, on the couch, at the dinner table, or with friends, your wit invades and, my dear, you break me. Fighting was not very frequent; we could have started the closest thing to World War III that the world will ever see, and twenty minutes later we are cackling hysterically at a rerun of America’s Funniest Home Videos. We just “get” each other. Thank you for being the key to my heart. Thank you for unfailingly knowing how to make me smile when I just don’t feel like it. Thank you for giving me silly reasons to smile throughout my day when the moment calls for it.

We couldn’t be more different, yet we have been confused for twins. I am dangerously extroverted, while you prefer to recharge alone. I love to travel and explore, yet hanging out at home with the pets or watching a good movie is more your speed. I rush from one thing to the next, while you wisely take your time. You are so much more patient and resilient than I am. You know just what to say at the right time. You know just the right time to intervene, if you do at all. Thank you for being the calm in my storm, the double-knot to my shoelace, the fence to my unkempt backyard, and the hug after a stressful day. I don’t think you realize just how comforting it is to know that you will always be there for me, no matter just how infuriating, annoying, loud, obnoxious, overzealous, overambitious, or just plain weird I can be. You have cracked my code.

Above all else, your compassion and courage has been nothing short of remarkable. It is such an honor to watch you fulfill the name that was carefully chosen for you. Riley is Scottish for “courageous”, and Christopher means “carrier of Christ”. Your testimony defends your noble title. In my experience of being the only “oldest” child in our immediate family, I have often felt as though the responsibility of being a caretaker and solid “rock” for our family was automatic and came with the “package” of me; I have always wanted to be a leader, role model, a shining light, and a worthy example to live by. Watching you grow, seeing the light in your eyes, passion in your heart, and the eagerness in your stance lets me know that I’ve done something right by you.

It has been Mom and Dad’s job to raise you as their child, which I believe is an extremely skillful job to have. I believe they have done an indescribably beautiful work in you; you are an even mix of both. You have Daddy’s fix-it ambition, upper-body strength, and keen eye for mechanics. You have mom’s fiery passion, her undeniable spunk, and Samaritan’s heart. I have seen you become this handsome young man, charitable by nature and exquisitely talented and intelligent. To think of what I may have done for you in your life is slightly overwhelming, and I can’t get a firm grasp on it. I have been in no way your parent, but I have definitely taken it upon myself to take care of you for as long as you are in my life. This is a gift and blessing I hope to never lose.

My sweet Riley, you are such a gift. You are a treasure that I hope the world gets to share. You are the heart, the charity, and the empathy in our family unit. You are the sunrays peeking behind storm clouds. You are the kid who will smile at any and every person you see. You are the driving force in my heart during a test, an audition, or a difficult conversation. If I do anything for anybody, I’d do it for you first and foremost. You are my inspiration, and my biggest blessing. God knew I needed a brother, but little did I know and little can I comprehend to this day how great of a responsibility, life lesson, and blessing He has placed in my life for getting to be your sister. I am beyond proud of what you have accomplished in your mere 16 years of life; I can’t wait to be a photographer at your graduations, a bridesmaid in your wedding, and the crazy, fun aunt to your future children. I cannot wait to see what your future holds, whether that be the next CEO of Pixar, or earning community appreciation awards for civil leadership as a firefighter. Wherever you feel the Lord guiding you is where you shall go.

I love you more than words can say. Thank you for being my best friend.