It's funny that when mom told me she was pregnant with you, I didn't believe her because of some strange preconceived notion I had that as soon as you become pregnant your belly gets big. That was not the case, but it's amazing what nine months in someone's belly can create. You are smart, talented and annoying, and I can recall times that I wished you were stranded on an island for a few hours.
No amount of words, not even an open letter is enough to express how proud of you I am. I call you “the baby” because the mere thought of you growing is so overwhelming. You are 13 years old and standing at 5’4", which is only an inch away from my height. God knows how much more you're going to grow. You have just begun high school, and your growth and maturity are impossible to miss. I can recall holding you, playing with your Christmas toys with you and having equally as much fun as you were.
Our jokes that only make sense to us and our mini movie nights are what keep me going. Being the only girl wasn't easy, as I have always wanted a sister, but I wouldn't change you for the world. You're the greatest little brother I never asked for! You play games for an excessive amount of time, you forget to wash the dishes and I'd be dirt rich if I collected a dime for how many times I've tripped over your shoes, but those are no match for the long laughs and funny faces we make behind our parent’s backs. Quite frankly, I'd trip over your shoes for the rest of my life if I had to.
To know you is to love you and I can not wait to see what the future has in store for you. Continue to put all of your dreams and passions into action. Do not let the weight of the world slow you down for even a second. I've watched you be strong through frustration, I've watched you overcome impossible challenges and I've watched you become a teenager full of so much respect and youth. It's admirable.
You're the epitome of an annoying little brother, but you're the best annoying little brother. Always remember that I am here to hear you out when you have a problem, I will always help you with your homework no matter my location and I will always be here to comfort you after a nightmare. No matter how old you are, we live outside the touch of time and you'll always be “the baby” to me.
Finally, thank you for teaching me what it is to love someone unconditionally. Thank you for giving me a reason to fight through the stress of life and school. No matter the consequence, I know I will always have my little brother looking up to me and looking out for me. Everyone deserves a lifelong best friend, and I am extremely thankful for mine.
