I have always found it ironic that the people you don’t say “I love you” to enough, are usually the people you love the most. They are also the people that you sometimes take for granted, or are too busy for, with all the things you have to do in a day.

These people also tend to be your siblings. So, sibling, this is my letter to you, to remind you how much you mean to me and how much of an impact you’ve had in my life.

I have, and always will look up to you. Thank you for influencing my life and making me who I am today

We laugh now at all the times I religiously followed you around the house, doing whatever you did, followed you wherever you went, but the superman I saw when we were younger remains the same today. I know that today I don’t tell you up front how much I look up to you, so just know that when I think of you, you’re still my knight in shining armor.

You have always believed in me. Thank you for supporting everything I do and knowing that I can do things before I know it

I have been able to come to you with all of the hard life decisions and questions. You were always willing to talk and listen to what I had to say, but you were also always there to make me feel much more confident about myself. You have also supported me in every extracurricular I’ve been a part of; musicals, horse riding, piano recitals, concerts, award ceremonies etc. Your presence in my achievements, no matter how small has always made me feel like I was worth something. You were the first one to believe in me before I learned how to believe in myself.

You were my first best friend and confidant. Thank you for always listening to my stories, no matter how dumb

Since I can remember, I’ve told you everything. I don’t think I’ve kept any secrets from you (and you better have not kept any from me) You were always there; When I was anxious about school, unsure about life, worried about a boy, or just wanted to know if I looked good in a certain dress and with a certain hairstyle. Your opinion was the only one that mattered because I knew you would be the only one to tell me the truth, no matter how hard.

You have been one of the few people to make me laugh until I cry. Thank you for always being a comic relief

The house is never as full and jolly without you and your multitude of accents, or with your fast witty remarks. You’re definitely a weird one, but you make my life brighter because of it. I wouldn’t have had half of the happiness I enjoyed at home without you and your way of reliving stress and tension.

And most of all, thank you for loving me

There’s a reason I idolize you, even with your rough edges. It’s because you have always been the perfect person for me and I know that you love me just as much as I do you (although you never admit it) After you moved out of the house I was worried our bond and closeness would fade. I was afraid you wouldn’t talk to me anymore, and all of the memories we shared would vanish. It’s been a couple years now and I’m happy to say that is the opposite of what happened. You may be busy, but I know you’re still there and that you have my back.

I’m so proud to have you as my sibling. You have showed me that hard work goes a long way, being a nerd isn’t a bad thing, and reading multiple Russian novels will get you depressed, but will also spark a lifelong interest.

So sibling, please know that I think about these things regularly. Please know that my life wouldn’t be as full if you weren’t in it. And know that no matter how long we go without sending each other a quick text, buzzfeed food video, or comic strip, I’m missing and loving you.