To my dude,

We’ve come a long way since we first met. When you were just a few months old, I used to push your baby swing so hard that you would practically fall out. Then, when we were in our “sibling rivalry” stage, I would pinch your cheeks and pull your hair because “Mom was mine first."

I’m sorry about all of that. That wasn’t cool of me. But, look where we are now. You’re my best friend and the person I tell everything to. So I’m writing you this letter because I don’t tell you nearly enough how much you mean to me.

Thank you for making me laugh. Whenever I’m stressed out or upset, you know how to make me feel better. Your sarcastic jokes and goofy voices are things that I pretend to hate, but secretly can’t live without. Honestly, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t know how to have a sense of humor. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thank you for making fun of me relentlessly. You, of all people, know that I can get too serious sometimes and need to lighten up.

Thank you for always having my back. You’ve shown me that I don’t need to surround myself with people who don’t appreciate everything I have to offer. No matter what the situation, you’re always on my side and ready to defend me. Even though I’m the older one, I know that you will always step up and protect me.

Thank you for giving me advice when I need it. You’ve never been the person to give me a long speech telling me what to do, but you have this ability to say one or two sentences that provide me with all the clarity in the world. You’re wise beyond your years and I know I can always count on you to impart some brutally honest wisdom.

Thank you for being the coolest, funniest, most hard-working kid I know. I don’t know what I would do in this life without you and I pray every night that I’ll never have to find out.

Love,

Your sappy big sis