To my favorite brother,

First of all, I know what you're thinking, "I'm your only brother." Yes, you are my only brother, but you are still my favorite. Like I always tell you, you could be my least favorite, but you aren't.

I'm not exactly sure how you deal with three sisters, but you do it. And you do it with a smile on your face (and a few NERF gun attacks).

Thank you for taking trips to Target with me and holding my hand in public, even though people may think I'm your mom.

At the age of 10, you have taught me more about life than you'll ever know.

A few years ago, I was upset and you came to my room, gave me a big hug and said, "take five deep breaths Gracie, and everything will be OK." This is advice that I have taken with me and will take with me for the rest of my life.

Whenever I'm having a bad day, I remember to take five deep breaths, and suddenly, I have faith that everything will be OK. And I hope you do the same. I'm struggling with the fact that I can't be there every day to tell you that or to simply say 'I love you.'

But, know that I will always love you. And even though, this nine year age gap means that we won't be able to share the same home for as many years as I would have wished for, know that this is how it is supposed to be. Know that our time apart makes me appreciate you dribbling basketballs above my room at 6:00 a.m. that much more.

And every time I call you, and you cry because you miss me, my heart breaks into a billion pieces. But then, Mom and Dad tell me how much you're enjoying life and I can't help but to smile.

I promise to take you on as many adventures as I can during this last summer of me being home. But no matter where I call home, or where you call home over the rest of our lives, know that the adventures will never stop. The adventures will only get bigger and I cannot wait.

I promise to never miss a major event in your life, to always support you and to never stop loving you.

I love you forever.

XOXO,

Your favorite sister