Baby bro, I’m sorry I never remember how old you are. All I can really remember is those three blissful years before you were born weren’t actually all that blissful. They were quiet and boring. I was born to be a big sister. I was born to be a little bit bossy and a little bit helpless sometimes. I can’t imagine my life without you! (and you’ve never even had a life without me… lucky you…)

I know you are scared for the future. I was too. Graduating high school, going to college, growing up, and figuring out what to do in life is terrifying. But you don’t have to have it all figured out.

Enjoy your last few weeks in high school. Hang out with your friends and know the people you want to keep close. Do your homework, but don’t forget to stay home with mom sometimes too. You’ll miss her more than you know.

You’re ready for the next step- even if you don’t think so. If I could do it all on my own, a million miles away from home, you can do it too (plus you got me). God does not give you something He doesn’t think you can’t handle. You are ready. Believe me.

Take your time. Be present in each moment. There is no need to rush.

College can be some of the best and most difficult years of your life. Maybe your first roommate will suck and your second roommate will become your second family. Maybe you’ll fail your first test or first class, but you will still learn something along the way. Maybe you’ll have to eat lunch on your own sometimes or finally ask a girl out for coffee. Maybe you’ll hate it and maybe you’ll love it and every day will be different but the one thing that I can be sure of is that I will be there for you no matter what.

I have watched you grow into a person I only hope to become. Someone who is intelligent and kind and patient. Someone who finds the good in people and helps bring out that good in everyone he meets. Someone who is funny and knows when to make the joke and when to be serious. Someone I look up to every day (because you’ve grown up taller than me- even though I’m older).

College is going to be stressful. Life is going to be stressful. But I hope you know that I am always a call away. I’ve been there, I’m still going through it, and I’ll always be in your corner, cheering you on.