Dear Brandon,

Before we get started I want to tell you how I found out you existed. I got a call from Heather saying that Dad had been married to his high school sweetheart and they had a child. She told me that your name was Brandon, you were married, had children, and were living overseas because you were in the army. I remember being at the gas station when I got this call.

I drove home and my mind was in so many different places and I had so many emotions. I didn't know what emotion to feel first. Should I be excited because I finally have an older brother, or mad because my dad didn't tell anyone about you? When I tried to contact you the very first time I must have written the email and erased it so many times because I couldn't find the right words.

First off I have a few things to apologize for. I am sorry that I didn't find out that you were you until last year. A piece of me will always be upset with dad for not telling either of us. I am sorry for not reaching out as soon as I found out like Heather did. I wish with all my heart that you could have had the opportunity to see be grow up and get to know me over the years. Having tried to get to know you I have noticed that it is hard to cram 19 years into a few phone calls and emails.

I know that things are going to be a little awkward for a while. I want you to know that I am more than excited to get to know you and your family. I know that at first neither of us knew what to say to one another and that's beyond normal. There are a few things that I want you to know.

I don't expect you do anything other that be my big brother and get to know me for who I am. This isn't going to be easy considering we both are busy enough people and that you live hundreds of miles away from me. There is nothing that you need to be sorry for. Just like me, I can't imagine that you knew what to do when you found out that you had two sisters. The most important thing that I want you and your family to know is that you're always welcome. I know that you are only related to me but the rest of my family is more than excited to get to know you and your family as well.

I am excited to know that I have more family. Family means a lot to me and the fact that I have another brother, other than my step brothers, his wife and then a niece and two nephews are incredibly exciting to me. We don't know each other very well, but I am open to getting to know you and your family and I hope you and your family feel the same way about me.

I love you and welcome to the family.

Love,

Your little sister