As a kid, I would always hear stories about all the awesome things my friends would do with their brothers. Many of them, looking back were stupid ideas (like covering yourself with hand sanitizer, lighting it on fire, and jumping in a lake) but they were also really fun. These were the sorts of things that made me wish I had a brother. Or when I was tired of being the oldest sibling, and just wanted to pass off the responsibility for awhile. (I don't actually think it works like this, but you never know.) But for some reason, God gave me a younger sister, and that was that. Now, I realize that I couldn't have asked for better, because I have the best sister in the world (that's an article for another day) and I got to choose my brothers.

Now, in case you haven't figured this out yet, I am using the term 'brother' loosely. And by that, I mean that the group of guys I am closest to, those I'm 'doing life' with, I consider my brothers. They're my brothers in Christ. So this is my open letter to all of them.

Hey guys,

We've been friends, some of us for a long time, others not as much. But each and every one of you has made an impact on my life and I value that. It's not easy to talk about this kind of stuff, so I guess that's why I'm writing a letter. (That and because I talk too fast and trip over my words a lot!) I have a ton of great memories with each of you, like the time I got pulled by a snowmobile on a sled and smacked into a tree, or the belly flop I did off the Blob. Some memories have been great, like when I finished my first 5K, while others have been bad, like when I lost my Tutu (grandmother). You guys have been there for me through a lot, and I just want to start off by saying thank you.

Thank you for challenging me.

For pushing me to be my best. You have "made" me do a lot of things I otherwise probably wouldn't do, like get up at 6 a.m. at camp to run 3 miles, or eat a packet of ketchup. It's those kinds of stupid, fun things that are fun to talk about after. You guys have pushed me physically (all our times at planet fitness) and spiritually (you hold me accountable). In all, you have been there to make me be the best man I can be.

Thank you for encouraging me.

There have been plenty of times where I have wanted to quit, but you have been there to tell me, "Just one more time," or "Great job, just keep going!" It is because of you that I have accomplished many things in life; I've gotten in decent shape, and I have overcome many obstacles with your help. When I have failed, it's your voices that tell me to try again.

Thank you for supporting me.

Whether the success is big or small, you guys have always been happy for me, excited for me, and even proud of me sometimes. In every instance, I have you guys to thank. Without your support I doubt my success would have felt as good, or even if I would have tried again. Making it to National Fine Arts (a big accomplishment) was made better by the support of you. Or actually blocking a spike in volleyball (small, but unheard of with my small stature) you guys supported me, no matter how embarrassingly excited I got.

Thank you for helping me.

In life there are hard times, and I have had a share of those as well, but you guys have helped me bear the burden of these times. Dealing with grief, or financial struggles, problems with work, or family you guys have been there. Helped me to pick up the pieces, and heal.

Thank you for teaching me.

I have learned a lot from you guys over the years, and I thank you for that. I've learned from you guys how to have fun, how to worship God, how to treat women and other men. You've given me dating advice, life advice, and spiritual advice. You have made an impact on me that I will always appreciate. We may not be related by blood, but in a way we are. We are brothers in Christ, united by the blood of Jesus. Thank you again.

Michael/Makana Geppert