Dear Big Sis,

I sorely miss you. Sometimes, I call you when I leave my chemistry lecture. You and I share a few fleeting words, and then you have to get back to your customers. For these moments, I am truly thankful. Thank you for making the time, even in your busy life, to just let my know that you're all right.

Being hours away is hard on both of us. I remember as children how we used to get into so much trouble for the dumbest things. I'm lucky now if I can see you on the breaks during school. I have my obligations to my fraternity and my job during the summer. It just really sucks that growing up makes your loved ones distant. Leaving for college is like pulling teeth for me. Not only do I have to leave my family, but I have to watch your face disappear in the rear view mirror in a cloud of swirling dust. This hurts more than anything else. We were so close before and now life has driven us down out separate paths. However, I refuse to let life cleave us apart. No matter how busy our lives become, I will always be right here.

You were my first love. You taught me how to respect women and grew me into the man I am today. You set a role model as to what my friends should be. Spunky, funny, and classy. You showed me that being a woman was an empowering thing. No matter who you dated, they respected you and looked up to you. This left an imprint on me. It showed me how to be a gentlemen. You were always someone I looked up to and feared. To this day, I hold the door for women and answer "Yes ma'am" when speaking to a lady. Thanks for changing me for the better.

Thank you for being my best friend. Remember that one time in elementary school when you decked a girl between her eyes for making fun of my teeth? I surely do. Mom was having a fit because you probably broke her nose. We laughed. We laughed for hours. Her nose wasn't broken, but you stood up for me. To this day, I remember how you stood up for me. We used to braid each other's hair and eat ice cream at 4 a.m. I never doubted myself in your presence because I know I could do no wrong. You will forever be my best friend; even when we are six feet under. No one can know me like you do.

In conclusion, I cannot thank you enough. Thank you for crafting me into the person I am. Without you, I would not be whole because you are half of my heart. If I die tonight or you never talk to me ever again, know I will always cherish the memories we have shared. I hope to see you soon.

With The Deepest Gratitude And Love,

Your Little Brother