Growing up I was blessed with a best friend that also happened to be my brother. We got a long like two peas in a pod. However, when I was a senior in high school he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. When he first enlisted I was devastated because I was losing my best friend. It wasn’t like he was going to college where he would just be a phone call away. We are talking about zero contact for months on end. Letters from my brother were nice but it’s just not the same as talking and hearing his voice. We aren’t as close anymore due to the fact that he is in the Coast Guard but now that I’m in college I’ve learned to appreciate him more than ever.

You never realize how much a sibling affects your life until you both move on to bigger and better things. I’m proud to say that you’re my brother and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Even the little things you did had a huge impact on me. Thank you for being there when no one else was. You’ve got my back and I’ve got yours.

Thank you for teaching me how to be strong. You were the one who taught me how to be brave even when I thought all hope was loss. You always knew how to cheer me up with your goofy faces. When you decided that it was okay to wrestle with me and “beat me up” you taught me how to protect myself. Someday I may need to know self-defense and I am now confident in myself to stand up and fight back. You were the one who pushed me past my limits and never once gave up on my stubbornness.

Thank you for the crazy adventures you would take me on. These will always be my favorite memories with you. Like the times when we took your jeep off-roading through the woods. The thrill of the ride and the music that filled the car made me feel alive. The jeep was the world’s worst car but you loved it anyways. When you took a turn, the doors would fly open, and we would just laugh. You included me even when you didn’t have too and you never once complained that you had to bring your little sister.

Thank you for the numerous times we got coffee before school and the smoothie runs. You introduced me into the world of Tropical Smoothie. Honestly this was probably one of the greatest things you taught me. I will forever live for a “Get Up and Goji” smoothie to help get me through the day. Even though I worked at a coffee shop for most of High School, we still enjoyed going out and getting breakfast. I miss doing this with you, even though you drove me crazy. You always found a way to act like a toddler like when you shoot your straw wrappers in my face. This is what brothers for, they’re here to drive you insane and push your buttons.

Thank you for being the person in my life that prepared me for college. You were the one that always reminded me when I looked like a complete disaster. Your fashion skills are seriously on point for being an older brother. Not only did you teach me how fix my personal dress code but you taught me how to be myself. No matter what the circumstance is the best thing you can do is be yourself. This has been a huge part of my college experience so far.

I never got the chance to tell you how much you actually mean to me. Since you’ve been gone I’ve realized how much of an impact you have made on me. I am so happy that you’re doing great in the Coast Guard. You’re doing what you’re supposed to be and I look up to you with admiration. Thank you for being you. I miss our late night conversations but growing up and moving out is all a part of life. I’m forever grateful for everything you do for me and I cannot wait to see what adventures we can journey on next.