20 months and a day or 611 days total; that is the only thing that separated me and my brother. Now it is 211 miles that separate us. Other than those things, there is not anything.

My brother and I grew up really close. I have always been the shy, awkward child and he is the social butterfly. I did not like strangers, so when we were little, he would always hide me behind him if someone approached us.

Through the years, many things have happened: high school graduations, his marriage, him joining the army, having a child, and me starting college. Everything has changed, except for our unique relationship.

So, brother, here are 10 reasons I thank you.

1.Thank you for loving me.

When it seemed like no one else loved me, I knew you did and I still do. Thank you for never turning your back on me. You are my constant.

2.Thank you for protecting me.

Like already stated, you protected me from strangers, which is a really big deal for me. You killed spiders and frogs for me, but only after chasing me with them. Thankfully, you never really put them on me. As I grew, your protection grew. Not only that, thank you for the sacrifice you make daily for me.

3.Thank you for making mistakes.

If you would not have made mistakes, how would I know what to do? This kind-of goes along with teaching me. You taught me by living your life.

4.Thank you for teaching me.

Thank you for teaching me your homework every night, I still think that all those nights of being two grades under you but you taught me your work. Knowing how to do your work has contributed to my intelligence today.

5.Thank you for having my back.

Even when we were little, you took the blame for times we got in trouble. You have always had my back.

6.Thank you for giving me a big sister.

Your better half means so much to me. Thank you for picking the best one that loves me and loves Netflix shows as much as I do.

7.Thank you for my nephew (and the one on the way).

Do not even get me started on the perfect little boy that calls your daddy. My life would not be complete without him.

8.Thank you for laughing with me.

Maybe I should have written, “Thank you for laughing at me.” But all of the laughs, all of the memories, I hold them all so dear. No one will laugh at the stupidest things with me like you do.

9.Thank you for making me tough.

You were a bully, so you made me tough. You pushed me around and drug me along right with you everywhere.

10. Thank you for being my best friend.

I do not know what I would do without you or your sarcastic mouth. I have no doubt that you will always be a constant in my life.

This does not cover it all, but I think you get the idea.

I love you, brother. Thank you.