I am a big sister. And while that's more frustrating than I can say in words, it's also one of the titles I bear with the most pride. He's about six years younger than me; he actually just became a teenager fairly recently. So while I haven't seen him too recently, what with school and all, this is to the brother that I love, and for whom I would walk through hell fire.

My sweet, crazy brother,

I love you. You are one of the only people in my life that I truly miss when we are apart for some time, and as someone who doesn't really miss people, that means a lot. You are finally getting to an age where I can enjoy things with you more equally rather than having to filter them from you as much, and that's pretty fun. But I still want to protect you as well, because you're my brother and I would drop everything to help you.

I know there are an endless number of times that I've threatened to smack you into the next century - or any other number of creative threats - but you know I would never really hurt you. You've even told me so! I tell you I'm going to strangle you and you just laugh, telling me that I love you. Which I do.

So go on. Play your video games, and experience worlds that will change you, hopefully for the better. Explore through reading, and sprint down the field because you have stupidly long legs now that make you taller than me. You're stronger than you look, and while I don't always enjoy you in the moment, I treasure you. I want you to do things that YOU want to do and never let anyone tell you that you can't. Because you're a brilliant kid and I'm really excited to see you get older and chase your dreams. Whether you become a volcano scientist, or a mathematician, or even a game designer, I will be very proud of you.

Keep pushing. Keep discovering. Keep believing.

Love,

Your big sister, who's always got your back.