Dear Oldest Siblings and Babies of the Family,

Thank you for giving us the title of Middle Child. Without you, this would not be possible. Literally.

Thank you, Oldest Siblings, for always being the first to embark on new adventures, the fun and the scary, and for telling us all about them. It is always less daunting to face a new chapter of life knowing that you have already gone through it and can testify that we will, indeed, survive.

We should also thank you for giving us a preview of what works, and of what doesn't necessarily yield the best results. Thanks for letting your mistakes serve as warnings to our future selves. We learn from our mistakes, but it is easier--and considerably less painful--to learn from yours.

In sticky situations, we know we can count on your judgment and your older-sibling tendency to look after us. Since we were little kids, when you weren't teasing us, you were standing up for us. Even though it drove you crazy, we copied you because you set an example that we admired, and we wanted to be just like you.

Although we don't often admit it, we still do look up to you more than you would expect. After all, Oldest Siblings, you were our first friends.

Thank you, Youngest Siblings, for ensuring that we will not be the last ones to leave home. It is super comforting to know that we will not be left stranded at home when our older siblings have already left the nest and have started making their way in the world. There is nothing more reassuring than knowing that there will always be someone at home to compete with for the TV remote, and to bicker with for taking too long in the shower. We're sure you can't wait for all of us, older siblings, to be college-bound and beyond!

On a more serious note, thank you for reminding us of our younger days and for letting us listen to recounts of your day, hitting us with unexpected nostalgia. Sometimes we miss the younger versions of ourselves, and we lose touch of the most basic yet important things in life. You remind us to appreciate the simple things, and you encourage us to chase after happiness and to be more free-spirited. It's refreshing to be reminded to not take life so seriously all of the time, and that you're only young once.

Thank you for letting us celebrate milestones with you that remind us of the joys and memories associated with our own. Nothing makes us prouder than watching you cross that stage and wave to us, full of that same joy that we can still recall.

Because of you, Siblings, we are able to experience the best of both worlds. Sure it was fun to temporarily be the baby of the family, but it's also fun to be the big and wise sibling. After all, it is fun when the tables turn and we have a gullible little sibling of our own.

Thank you for shaping our lives, and for being our forever friends. We won't be able to replace you no matter how hard we try.

Love always,

The Middle Children