Hey big brother,

Do you remember staying awake at night talking to each other across the hallway making sure dad and mom didn't hear? Then, as soon as we heard that bedroom door open crawling under the covers thinking we were sneaky? Believe it or not, those were some of my favorite memories as a child. So many times I could have pulled my hair out growing up with you but I have come to realize you are so much more than a big brother. You're my best friend, mentor, and teacher.

I remember when you first started travel ball. I hated those weekends more than anything at the time. The long, hot days never seemed appealing but I was always brought along for the ride. Today, I could not be more grateful for those weekends.

Watching you grow into the amazing athlete you became was the most exciting 15-plus years of my life. I would kill to be able to go back to your high school career and feel the joy of you throwing your first no-hitter. Or the thrill of a tied game in the bottom of the seventh with two outs, runners on first and third, and you hitting a walk-off single. You showed me passion when you went to countless tryouts to further your career. You taught me that working hard for something important will never go unnoticed.

Whenever I needed you, you were always there. When mom passed away and I was alone, you drove an hour and a half to come pick me up. You then proceeded to take me to McDonald's and order anything I wanted. I knew you were in the same place as me emotionally but you made sure I was okay before you worried about yourself.

You get that from mom for sure. You're not the type of guy to express your emotions through words but your actions say enough. I never thanked you for that day but it's a day I think about all the time. You taught me to be selfless even when it seems impossible.

Probably my proudest little sister moment was the day you got married. It's like you weren't even nervous. In fact, I think you were more excited that day than you were the night we went to see 'NSync. We grew up with two parents who loved each other more than anything. They were actual relationship goals before that was even a thing.

And I remember the day me, you, mom, and dad went to get pizza in Apollo Beach. You took a picture of mom and dad holding hands and told me that's what your marriage was going to look like. Well, big brother, you can now say you have that marriage. Y

ou brought such an amazing addition into our family and have given me the big sister I have always wanted. You taught me how a man should treat his wife; with love, honesty, and the occasional (okay, quite frequent) sarcasm.

So thank you, big brother. I wouldn't be the person I am today without your help. You are my biggest inspiration, role model, and someone I will look up to for the rest of my life. You have brought more joy to my life than I could have ever asked. I look forward to the times I get to visit you and have family nights because those are the moments I will never forget.

I love you,

little sister