Dear brother,
I'm off in college and you're at home in college. We're both pursuing our dreams like we've always planned. Life has changed so much since we were young and our biggest worry was whether or not mom got the right kind of peanut butter at the store. Those days came and went faster than we both probably wished because simplicity is definitely not what we have now. We've been through hardship and also exciting things. Our relationship, as you know, hasn't always been the greatest, like most siblings. There are times when I've wanted to get far away from you, but you are my brother and I love you.
I am so proud of you and all the things you have accomplished and will accomplish.
You graduated. You're on your way to bigger things. I am so proud of the fact that you work and you're in school, yet you still make time to greater yourself spiritually and in other ways. You are going to do things in this world that you can't even imagine and I'm so thankful to be your sister.
You are the expectation I hold every boy to.
You don't know this, but every boy I date has been held up to the way I see you. I have seen you treat girls like princesses and show respect to everyone, no matter who they are. I notice when you make people laugh and when you don't burst out in anger. I will never date someone who does not show me some of the characteristics you have.
I admire you.
People, including me, notice how you handle yourself. I admire the way you handle difficulty and that, no matter what we or you have been through you, continue to dive deeper into your relationship with God. You are an amazing example to so many young people and you don't even realize it. I for one look up to your devotion, dedication, and ability to keep a level head. You are the person I can go to for prayer and my secret keeper because I know you won't tell a soul.
You're stuck with me.
Life is changing for both of us. I'm planning on my future taking me new places and yours taking you to different places. No matter where we go, know that I'm always here as your sister. This hasn't been the easiest thing to grasp, but we are two completely different people. Everyone who knows us on a personal level knows that I'm the loud extrovert and you're the introvert that would rather hunt than spend a day with tons of people, but that's okay. I love you and I wouldn't have you any other way.
Overall, I just want to say thank you for putting up with me throughout the years and say here's to the future and learning to grow together while we grow different ways.
XOXO,
Madison
