When a little girl has a big brother, there’s no one she looks up to more than him. He serves as a role model, a partner in crime and a best friend.

Having an older brother provides a sense of protection otherwise not guaranteed. When you’re younger he will protect you from bullies, when you’re older he will protect you from boys. There’s nothing like having that best friend that has been right by your side through just about everything. Despite their constant bribery and occasional acts of aggression, (when they forget you’re just a little delicate girl), their camaraderie builds you up as a person.

To my brothers:

Thank you for laughing with me. For sharing the same sense of humor -- even if that entails making strange faces accompanied by outrageous sound effects.

Thank you for always protecting me, whether that means threatening to beat someone up, or physically doing it solely to shelter me.

Thank you for teaching me how to fight back, for teaching me not to take shit from anyone.

Thank you for sharing childhood with me. Through the constant memories of “accidentally” calling 911, sneaking food into our rooms, watching Nickelodeon every Saturday night, playing manhunt with our neighbors, teaching me how to play sports, swimming in the ocean together, singing duets as Alicia Keys and Usher, making inappropriate Mad-Libs, having lemonade stands, baking cookies and for the countless memories to come.

Thank you for being protective of me. Without you, I would have no one to question my judgment and prevents me from making stupid decisions. But thank you for watching me make some stupid decisions that I got to learn from. Thank you for being a safety net, for looking out for my happiness and my character.

There’s something different between the bond of a brother and a sister than two sisters or two brothers. We learn and become accustomed to each other’s differences and we thrive upon our similarities. We thrive because we know we are all there for each other to nourish the aspect that’s missing unconditionally. We come to each other for advice – whether it’s about girl friends and boy friends, friends in general, jobs, school, sports – whatever it be, we listen and give what the other may need.

Thank you for growing up right by my side, for sharing the same experiences, hardships and celebrations that have molded us into who we are today. Having you physically next to me through some of the hardest times of our childhood established and secured a connection between us that no one can take away.

Thank you for being a role model, for following your passion and doing what you love. Watching you do these things brings nothing but happiness to me and inspires me to do the same.

Growing up with three brothers, I always wanted a sister. But now, nothing could make me change my upbringing for the world. Growing up with brothers has taught me to be strong and aggressive, not to be afraid to be the odd one out. Although all four of us are spread out in different states, our connection is unbreakable and when we are together, we are right where we left off.

Love,

Your Favorite Sister.