I was sitting in class today, thinking about fall, and Halloween and began reminiscing on our childhood memories and all of these times at home together. Making our own caramel apples, carving pumpkins (which never really ended up happening without an argument and/or someone giving up), dressing up and taking our annual picture on the fireplace stoop, eating dinner on the night of trick or treating and being too excited to finish our meal, arguing at the end of the night over who got the most candy and why it wasn’t fair. We didn’t know it back then, but those memories, among all the other vivid memories I have of us growing up together, were some of the best days of our lives.

I miss being in the same house as you guys, getting ready for school with you guys, fighting over who got the bathroom first because heaven forbid we brush our teeth at the same time, right? I miss Christmas mornings of me waking you both up at five in the morning because Santa had just came. I miss sleeping in the living room just because the living room floor was obviously much more comfortable than our beds. I miss arguing over stupid things, making mom and dad question if there was ever going to be a day where we would get along, and most importantly, I miss the two of you. I miss coming home from school everyday and knowing what you were doing, knowing if you were happy, or sad, or stressed—but most importantly, knowing that you were okay, because I got to see you everyday.

Growing up is a normal part of life, a healthy one. If we didn’t grow up, move on, and go our separate ways, no progress would be made. But that’s not to dismiss the fact about how much I genuinely miss seeing the two of you everyday and how different it still is, and always will be, growing up in entirely different places. So although we may be apart, and Halloween this year may not be spent getting dressed up and trick or treating together around the block, there’s a few things I want you to always remember.

Not a single day passes by that I don’t think of the two of you. Even if we don’t talk everyday, and even if we are all busy living our own lives, I am always thinking of you, bragging about you to my friends and everyone I meet, and wondering what you’re doing.

Not a single day passes by that I’m not proud of you and the people you are growing to be. Joey as you succeed in everything you do, changing the world and becoming more mature and successful with everything you do—I do not think it is possible for me to be any prouder to call you my brother. Jp as you find your path and start figuring out where your future is going to take you, I am always blown away by your hard working, yet optimistic approach to everything. You make the world a happier place with you sense of humor and relaxed way of handling life, and I know we are all thankful for that. I am so proud of how you both face everything in life, and I know that wherever is lucky enough to have you, you are going to make a better place.

Not a single day passes by that I am not here for you. Despite the distance, despite the time differences, despite our hectic lives—I am always here, willing to listen, willing to help, and willing to drop whatever I am doing the second you need me. That’s the thing I admire most about us. No matter how long we go without seeing each other, or how close or far we may be—the bond and relationship we share is eternal and inseparable. Call me when you need me, because Lord knows I couldn’t make it a day without the both of you, and the advice and wisdom you always offer me.

So as we continue to grow up, continue to build our paths—I hope you always remember how important you are to me and how much I look up to you both. Our memories together are one of the most valuable things to me. Your guidance and wisdom is what keeps me strong. And without your support and overprotective ways, I wouldn’t be half of the person I am today. Thanks for being the strong, hard working, and loving people you are and reminding me of all I am capable of with your support. I know I always complained about not having a sister, but I must admit, you turned out to be the best things that could have happened to me. Words don't express how much you both mean to me. To both my big and little brother—I wouldn’t trade you for the world.