Initially I was going to compile a collection of pictures and videos of us over the years, put them in a slideshow with some sappy background music and send it to you. Then I realized that if I did that, the video would be hours long because you've always been apart of my life, and our memories are too good to leave any out. So then I thought maybe I would just write you a long emotional text reminiscing on all the good and bad, but something about that seemed impersonal. So here I am, writing you this article, in hopes it'll encompass as much of my fondness towards you as possible.

I guess I should start from the beginning. I can't really remember much of our early childhood, but I know we were both always causing trouble. Whether it be throwing sand out of the turtle-shaped sand box, or sifting through the off limits desk drawers upstairs, looking for something mysterious. Drinking "snowman soup" while circling everything we were going to buy for our pets from the dog catalog. Two cousins taking on the world.

Of course time went on and we grew apart. We got older, started going to school, not really having much time to go back to our childish ways. But over the course of the past few years, we've reconnected and managed to grow closer than I ever anticipated. You are one of my very best friends. And I'm not saying it because we're family and I feel like I have to. You are genuinely one of my best friends I've had. It's a double ended sword that we're family as well, which means we can't ever truly get rid of each other. Not that I'd want to.

Thank you for being such a willing participant in my life. Thank you for going to all the hockey games in the world with me. Thank you for playing Fortnite when it was good, or joining random Xbox parties. Thanks for going on drives at the drop of a hat, and sharing music with each other along the way, while talking about conspiracy theories. Thanks for being my personal photographer, life coach, and motivational speaker.

Now we're official adults, both in college taking on the real world. No more arguing over our imaginary house rules.

I know the past year or so has been one of the roughest yet for you. But I hope you know how much I support you. Some of your choices maybe not so much, but I will always be here in the background cheering you on.

You finally made it to 18, so glad I can say I've known you for all eighteen years of your life.

Happy Birthday

-B