I’ll admit, at one time I didn't want you around. When I heard you were coming along, I realized I would have to learn to share everything with you. I would no longer be the center of attention, you would take that place. But what I didn't realize is how much I would love you. I didn't know I would enjoy your little laugh and the way you slobbered all over everything you touched. I didn't know that I would have every "Teletubbies" show memorized or know how to change a diaper. I didn't know you would be the one who would make leaving for college so hard.

Years have passed now since the diapers and teething rings. Both of us are growing up. I am leaving you for the first time and I am terrified. What am I going to do without someone always trying to prove me wrong? What about someone always tripping me and blaming it on a stranger? Without you, I will be missing a piece of myself. You are my best friend even though I’ll never let you know that. I have accepted the role of eldest and I am proud. I will continue to watch you grow for the rest of your life. I will continue to embarrass you every moment I get a chance. Alongside Mom and Dad, I have raised you. I would like to think I have raised you to be the best you can be. I have taught you to work for what you want and to not let anyone stand in your way.

Leaving you is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it is time for you to become the independent sibling I once was before you came along. I will miss the constant fighting, the jokes we crack about mom and dad, and the finger pointing at each other when someone gets in trouble. I never thought I would miss driving you around to sporting events or your friends' houses, but the more I drive in my car with an empty passenger seat, the more I realize how much that actually meant to me. Walking into my dorm for the first time will be hard because your stuff won't be scattered everywhere. I will set up pictures of us on my dresser alongside crafts you made me in school years ago. I promise you I will be fine here, but it's you I worry about. What are you going to do without me? I know one thing you better not do…touch my room. No matter how many times you threaten me, you cannot have it.

I want to thank you. You pushed me to do my best because I never wanted to fail you. I wanted you to always have someone to look up to. I hope I did a good job. Even if I don't call you or write you every day I want you to always know I love you and I miss you. Do well in school and never give up. I’ll be home before you know it I promise. I guess it's time to finally let you know that you are and always will be my very best friend.