This year, my little brother turns 18 and graduates from high school. Watching him grow from a squirmy baby into (practically) a man has been my honor and privilege. These are seven eight things I want to say to my brother as he goes off into the big, bad world without me.
1. You have always been and always will be my day-one ride-or-die.
No matter what happens, where life may lead us, you will always be my baby brother. I was so excited when you were born, Mom had to get me a baby doll so I could take care of something the way I wanted to take care of you! We've had our ups and downs, but it's been ride-or-die from the moment you came screaming into the world, and that will never change.
2. I will always want to know what you're up to.
It's doesn't matter what you're doing, or what I'm doing; I will always want to know what you're up to. I may not agree with all of your life choices, and that's fine! I don't need to, just like you don't need to agree with mine. I would always rather know than be left in the dark. Keep me in the loop, OK?
3. I understand you better than almost anyone.
We have the same family, for goodness' sakes! I know more about you than nearly anyone else ever will. I've been there for so much of your life, good times and bad, and for moments that other people will never understand. I know what makes you tick, and don't think I've forgotten those dumb in-jokes from ten years ago, because they will never die. Never, do you hear me, Mr. Noodle?
4. I'm here to be weird with you.
You can project any image you want out into the world; I know what you're like on the inside, and that's a giant nerd. No matter how cool you are, you're a dork with a heart of gold to me, and I know how to be goofy with you the way few others do. You will always be able to let down your walls with me, and I will match your weirdness level and raise it, because that's what siblings do.
5. I'll go anywhere with you.
Here's the thing about the buddy system: it's still applicable after elementary school, and I'm your built-in buddy. No matter what you need or where we go, I'm here to help you through life. It doesn't matter whether it's a trip to the beach or a trip to the emergency room, if you don't know who else to call, call me.
6. I will always be a safe harbor for you.
It's a dark and stormy world out there, and it's going to hurt you. That's just a fact. Life hurts everyone, in thousands of ways, big and small. I want you to remember that no matter what happens, I will always be there for you. Heartbreak, illness, humiliation, defeat - no matter what you face, you can always come home to me.
6. I have faith in you, and I trust you.
You're embarking on a journey I've already started, and I know from experience that it is hard and it comes at you fast. But I know you, and I know you're ready for this. I trust in your ability to handle everything that's coming your way. As time goes on, you're going to be taking on more responsibilities, more burdens, and I will give you some, as I carry burdens you have given to me. The trust I have in you comes from how well I know you, and how I have seen you grow. You can handle this.
7. No one loves you like I love you.
Never, ever forget it. Even when we bicker, even when we disagree, even when we don't talk for a month. I will always, always love you. There is no one in the world who will ever love you the way I do.
Time will bring challenges to both of us that we will never see coming, and that is terrifying. But with you by my side, we can move mountains, and for you I would. I've got you, and you've got me, forever.
Good luck out there, little brother. I believe in you. Don't forget to Snapchat me once in a while.
8. You didn't think I was going to write all that sweet, mushy (true) stuff and not embarrass you even a little, did you?
That's love, little brother: not using the most embarrassing photos of you I have.
Connect with me on Twitter @pistolproof to let me know if you felt this in your bones, and connect with my brother @KieranThapalia to let him know he has the best older sister on Earth. Or anything else. That's just a suggestion. You don't have to do it. (...but you should.)
