My little brother AJ is what some may call an 'oopsie baby', or, as my mom and dad like to say, an 'unplanned blessing'. He is 10 years younger than my older sister, eight years younger than me, and six years younger than my little sister. The age gap between me and my sisters is small, but between all of us and our little bro, it is pretty big. While this age gap does play a part in our relationships with our brother, I feel as though I have been affected by it the most.

When I left home for college, my little brother was only 10 years old. I did not think about how much of his life I was going to missing by moving five hours away. I did not think about the fact that I am missing some of the most important developmental years of his life, both physically and emotionally, and it kills me that I cannot be there for him through all of it.

I couldn't be there for him when his first school crush broke his heart, when he broke his arm in the driveway playing basketball, or when he started at a new school and had to make all new friends. I hate that I am not there in the bleachers cheering him on at all of his sporting games and activities. I hate that he is growing up, and I hate that he is doing it without me there.

Even though I cannot be there in person, I hope he knows I am always only a phone call away.

People say this all the time, but I know that it is so important. My little brother is at a very vulnerable age, and I want him to know I will always be here for him, no matter what happens.

As all big sisters know, there is no relationship like that between a big sister and little brother.

My sisters and I get so annoyed with our little brother sometimes for acting like a 13-year-old boy, but when one thing happens that hurts or upsets him, we go full mama bear and feel the need to protect him at all costs.

If you have a little sibling and you are away at college, know that it is normal to feel like this. It is okay to feel sad sometimes about all of the things you are missing out on. Also know that even though you are not there, they are becoming the person they are meant to be, and everything is going to be okay.

All we can do is tell them how much we love them and hope that they understand we are always there for them, no matter what.