Dear Little Brother,

I have so much to thank you for. I honestly don't think I could squeeze it all into a letter because you have blessed me with so much. Every day I thank God for blessing me with you as one of my best friends. You have taught me so much.

Thank you for always encouraging me. No matter what the situation seems to be, you tell me I'm going to be great. It all started back in the good old days of Mario-Party 7 and mini-golf when I would get frustrated because you were so much better than me. You encouraged me to beat the CPUs and our mom and dad and that no matter what I should stay calm and try my best. This carried through grade school band (lol God help us all I was horrible) and through all of my sports careers. Never once did you forget to say good luck or good job. Even now later in life you encourage me to push through the stress of school and life, to be myself, and to do my best. Thank you for being that voice when I've lost my motivation or confidence.

You remind me I'm important. There are times in life when I start to doubt my worth. Sometimes I get bogged down and feel like nothing but a homework robot and you tell me it will be worth it because I am going to be a great teacher. You remind me that I am in the right profession and say how lucky my future students will be to have me. Some days I just really need to hear that. When I feel like I have no one to talk to or am not myself because of drama, you're there. You have a wonderful gift of saying just what I need to hear to pick me up. I know you will always have my back and I could not be more thankful.

I've never met a more genuinely kind-hearted person. You are such a wonderful young man. Watching you grow from a fun-loving little boy to the amazing generous person you are now has been such an adventure. When you were younger you would always take people's grocery carts back inside for them at the store; honestly, you are the epitome of random acts of kindness. You have always had a mindset of the greater good and how you can help someone else, like this past summer when you ran in the St. Jude's Half Marathon. You would drop whatever you are doing without hesitation to help not only your friends but a stranger, too. All of that plus your charismatic personality makes you such an angel in my eyes. You have a positive, refreshing personality. There is not one person that you would refuse to talk to or initiate a genuine conversation with. Everyone who meets you is automatically glad that they have because your care, smile, and kind words are infectious and memorable!

Thank you for never judging me. WE ARE SO WEIRD! I mean honestly, we had these matching pictures as profile pictures on Facebook. Growing up with you has been fun to say the least. Thank you for making up games with me, playing cards, building tents, and laughing about nothing. I have never giggled more with someone. It takes someone really special to be able to make you laugh and also be able to comfort you when you are having a rough day. At the lowest points in my life, I can come to you and tell you about my mistakes. You always say, "I still love you." As the bigger sister, I want to lead a good life for you. I want to be pure, honest, and true to myself just like you are. Thank you for always listening and turning me onto the right path, when really this should be my job for you.

You inspire me every day. You are never afraid to be yourself or to stand up for what you believe in. You are involved in everything that you are passionate about and take on multiple responsibilities at the same time. I don't know how you do all of it! You continue to surround yourself with people that you respect and respect you in return. You are so wise that I swear you are 10 years older than me and you're accomplishments are innumerable, dynamic, and well-respected. You have grown so much in yourself, in your faith, and in your views of the world. I could not be more proud of you little brother.

No one could ever replace you as my best friend. I know that we sometimes fight over little things like who drank the chocolate milk or not paying attention to me while you're on your phone, but at the end of the day, I could never be mad at you. You forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything. Whatever name I call you (bro, broski, Broseph, or brudder) and no matter how big you grow up to be, I love you and support you forever!

Love,

Your Sister and #1 Fan