Dear younger male version of me,

Although I don't remember the exact day you were born considering I was three, I do remember being pissed. I wasn't the baby anymore. I was no longer the center of attention, and I for sure was expecting a little sister. Even though I was "mommy's little girl" and "daddy's princess" my life was forever changed once you came into our family. Mom loves to tell stories of me harassing you as we grew up, and always running to dad the second you tried to retaliate. It was always a typical brother sister relationship.

When you got to elementary school I think I basically thought you were the most annoying human ever. You were constantly around me, picking on me, and being your bratty self. I was especially sensitive considering I was in middle school and having my own awkward stage to deal with. When you got to middle school you went from little brat to punk. Your actions made me roll my eyes and we fought constantly. This doesn't mean we didn't have fun together, because we did, but it was a pretty equal balance of good and bad days.

My senior year of high school you were a freshman. I had the responsibility of driving you to school, picking you up from football practices, baseball practices, and anywhere else you ended up. Sure, I would get annoyed that my life revolved around picking you up, but for some reason it stopped bothering me after awhile. You were growing up and I could see that. We started hanging out more, laughing about the same things, talking about the same people and even hanging out with the same people, and there was no more fighting. You became my best friend.

I've always been protective over you considering you're my little brother, but all of a sudden my "little" brother turned into a 6'3 man with a beard who was protecting me. You've been there when I'm crying with open arms and to force the dog to come snuggle with me so I stop. You've also been the first one to say "I'll kill them" when I start to cry. As much as you have grown up you still have your goofy sense of humor that never fails to make our entire family laugh until we are in tears. I'm only 20, and you're only 17 so we have a long road of heartbreaks, fights, and laughs to get through, and I'm lucky I have you to get through it with.

I could go on forever about how proud I am of you. Mom and dad really did an outstanding job at giving you lessons on how to treat people right, and how to make the right decsions in life. You've grown up to be a responsible, respectful, and compassionate young man. You're going to go so far and no matter what I know you'll be successful because you deserve nothing less. I'll be by your side through every up and down you encounter, no matter what. So, this is my thank you for the past, the present, and the future. I'm so lucky to call you my little brother and I'll always be on your side, never forget that.

Love forever and a day,

Your big sister