Dear Brother,
When our parents first brought you home, I was so excited. Granted, I thought you were a doll for me to play with. Later on I learned the truth, that no, you were not a toy and no, they couldn't return you.
It took a while for me to get over this bad news. Just about 10 years or so, possibly longer. At first you weren't too bad. You let me treat you like a doll. We played dress up, barbies and I'm pretty sure we reenacted the first episode of "Dora the Explorer" multiple times. I feel like these were our golden years. The years in the middle weren't too great. We agreed on absolutely nothing. You saw me as an obnoxious, annoying, bossy older sister and I saw you as an obnoxious, annoying, brat of a little brother. There was yelling, screaming, tears, holes put into walls; I mean, you remember the bad years.
But then a miracle happened: we both grew up. I couldn't tell you what happened but suddenly we were civil and then we would joke about our parents and actually get along. I still remember clearly when we were having a conversation on the phone and you were actually participating in it for once and I asked you why that was happening. Your response still leaves me in stitches.
You said to me you were a man now. And while that's a hilarious statement for you to have said, it was true. Somehow, when I wasn't looking, you grew up. You became the man you call yourself. We can have full, honest conversations. We can hang out without it becoming a dramatic nightmare. I have learned to appreciate you. I could not be more proud or lucky to call you my little brother. I bet you didn't know but when I go to school, I brag about you and your accomplishments. All of my friends have heard about how amazing you are and how proud I am of you. I know if I'm having a bad day you'll be there if you can be. God knows you have flaws: you're a bit of a diva and you've still got some growing up to do.
But, I wouldn't change a single hair on your curly haired head. And as your big sister, I will always be the keeper of your secrets. Until you have kids, of course. They are going to know all about when you wore a Barbie bag on your head and pretended it was a football helmet. What I'm really trying to say is that I love you. My life wouldn't be nearly as much fun without you.
Love,
Your Big Sister
