As a child I had always wished I had had an older sibling, more specifically, an older brother. For whatever reason, back then I thought that having an older brother meant having a knight in shining armor, who’d always be willing to rush to my rescue. Clearly, while growing up as an only child I lived under the fantastical illusion that siblings could be something more than just insufferable brats. It was not until much later that reality dawned upon me, allowing me to understand that having siblings- at least younger ones- consisted of a life of self-sacrifice, stinky diapers and a whole lot of head-splitting shrieking. I realized that being the eldest, placed me in a position of authority- not that I was actually respected- but it also meant that I would have to be the knight. I was the one looking after the little hooligans, not the other way around. Bummer!

Ironically, though, as I grew older I found someone whom I came to see as an older brother- who is hardly any older and biologically only a cousin. He’s someone whom I’ve known since I was a wee child, and someone I have only gotten closer to in the awkward years of emerging adulthood. It was the transition to college that brought us closer together. As we started going to school and studying together we noticed that we are far more similar to one another than we had initially known.

We’ve had some great times together actually. At times I’d be out of class, sitting at the library and he would suddenly show up and suggest we go on an adventure. Mondays were our “adventure days”. We would randomly drive up to Providence and eat crepes, then we’d go to a park and just sit there in the dead cold of winter. I liked our trips though, as they often involved eating. It’s a blessing that we both love food so much. Our trips also involved randomly showing up at my grandmother’s house and asking her for food. That was awfully inconsiderate of us, but, she enjoys our unexpected visits. There were days that we’d sit in the library for hours, attempting to work on an essay but instead of actually working, we would spend the entire time there talking about irrelevant things and making fun of one another. I am surprised he even passed his courses to be honest. Oh, and there were the days when we would have strange conversations in the middle of the night, questioning our existence, making up theories and just simply just being a band of idiots. Those were the good days. I also remember us going out to eat at 2 A.M and having serious conversations about stop signs…That was odd, but it’s what makes us awesome.

Now for the thank you’s. I’d first like to thank you, Rodjer, for waiting for me in the mornings- although I was always late and you always had to sit outside for about twenty minutes before I even showed up. I’d also like to thank you for making sure I have eaten. I for some reason tend to neglect the fact that I need food and if not for you and Hira checking on me I’d likely starve to death. Also thanks, for blasting music in my ears early in the morning. Although I hated it at the time, it actually woke me up and got me ready for class. Oh! Thanks for always being there, too. You know, both physically and emotionally. I know you’re not great with words but I know you are there for me when I need you and even when I don’t, I mean, you can be annoying dude.

I’m glad I grew up and found myself a big brother. You’re not exactly a knight in shining armor, but, you’re as close as it gets. I want you to know that I will always be there for you too, as your little sister and as a friend. I know that right now things may be a bit difficult and we don’t get to see each other often but don’t forget that I am here for you. You don’t have to always be the one “doing the protecting”, you know. I can protect you too! I hope that in the future we will get a lot more chances to be weird together and spend time eating delicious foods. Okay, this is getting to be too cheesy. That’s all! Be good. Live long and prosper, loser! Love ya!

XOXO

-Your Favorite Cousin Ever~