I just want to start by saying that I love you more than you could ever know. For circumstances beyond my control, you had to grow up without me.

I wasn't there to see your first footsteps. I wasn't there to watch you learn how to ride a bike. I wasn't there to see your kindergarten graduation or any other award ceremony you might have had.

We saw each other maybe once a month for a few years before you were even six years old.

And then we lost MeMaw. She was the glue holding our family together, and when she passed, our visits became less and less frequent, and then nonexistent.

You were six and then all of a sudden you were turning 16 and already in high school.

I cannot count or name all of the things that you've accomplished or been a part of that I knew nothing about.

You are incredibly smart, and I cannot believe how respectful you've turned out to be. Every time I see you, I am just amazed at the man you are turning into.

You're my baby brother, but you're way taller and may as well be older than me too. I just can't get over how awesome you've turned out considering everything we've/you've been through.

I know it doesn't make up for all the years I wasn't around, and I'm just sorry that I couldn't be there to see all of these huge milestones for you, but I'm still your big sister, and I still love you so much more than you could know.

I can't change the past, and I can't go back in time to be there for you all those times you needed a big sister, but I can be there for you now.

I will live the rest of my life trying to make up for all of the years I wasn't there for you.

I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere.