You’re three years younger than me. You’re my only sibling, and I think that you are just absolutely amazing.

Growing up, I always had a playmate because we are pretty close in age. The games we played were very interesting because of the brother-sister dynamic. Usually it would involve something along the lines of a Ninja Turtle marrying Barbie and then getting blown up by GI Joe and his army of Bratz dolls. Yeah, we were pretty cool kids growing up.

If we weren’t doing that we would run Hot Wheel cars all over the road rug in our old house, help dad with the garden, make snowmen, argue over who got to drive the Barbie jeep and go on nature walks at the creek near our house. When we moved, I was one of the only girls in a neighborhood full of boys. You always made me feel completely comfortable playing midnight rush, kickball, basketball and even football with all of the guys in the neighborhood.

Now, you’re growing up on me. As much as I enjoyed spending time with you when we were younger, there is something equally wonderful about sharing life with you as we age. Your 6’2” body towers overs my 5’4” self. You’re in high school and starting to think about colleges. I know that you are having to make some really big life decisions right now. Yet, I know that you are going to make some great choices. And, in the times that you don’t, that’s okay because you will learn from it. That is part of life: making mistakes and growing from them.

You are not only incredibly intelligent, but you are also a hard worker. That combination is going to bring you an incredible amount of success. In addition, you are one of the sweetest and most genuine human beings I have ever encountered. You are compassionate, funny and charming. And I am going to have a very hard time letting any girls date you, because I’m never going to think they’re good enough. Yet, I know when you finally have a special someone in your life you are going to treat her like gold, and I am so proud of that.

I know that you are going to do amazing things, “little” brother. I am so proud of your journey thus far, and I am thrilled to watch you continue to grow and discover more about yourself and life in general. I also can’t thank you enough for all of the lessons that you have taught me. Especially for teaching me about sports when I want to impress boys. But, in all seriousness I am so grateful to have you in my life. I want you to know that I will always be here for you. If you need girl advice (we’re a complex species), homework help (well, maybe not calc II), a ride home from a party (or the supplies for it…don’t tell mom) or just someone to talk to and a giant hug (I know, gross), I will be here. That is what older sisters are for.