An Open Letter To My Big Little Brother

To My "Little" Brother,

As you plow through the second semester of your senior year of high school, I can't help but be sad about all the things I'm missing in your life while I'm away at school. I missed your last first swim meet, and your senior meet, and helping you get through senioritis (or at least try to). You may be younger than me, but you were there for everything in my life: cheerleading competitions and games, math homework I just didn't understand, and stupid boys who I let break my heart. You let me cry and vent to you like a lunatic on a semi-regular basis, and though you didn't always offer the best advice, you took a deep breath and sucked it up and listened to the insanity spew from my mouth. You were always mature and honest with me always. You stuck by my side through everything life through my way. And, you may not know it, but you've kept me sane through some pretty sticky situations in life. You're always able to make me laugh and spending time with you is a gift that I too often take for granted.

I only wish that I could be the same rock for you that you were for me. I know I pick on you, and tease you, and try and get information out of you that you don't always want to share, but at the end of the day, you're the best friend I ever could have asked for, but even better because you're my own flesh and blood. I'm sorry for being picky, and bossy, and annoying, but I do it because I care about you and I want to see you succeed in everything you do. You are so smart and kind and you deserve nothing but the absolute best in everything. It has been such an honor and a pleasure watching you grow up to tower me and sprout that full beard of yours. I'm glad that I get to continue to call you my brother for the rest of my life because I truly could not ask for anyone better.

I just want to thank you for everything you do: for protecting me, loving me, making me laugh, never judging me (or trying not to, at least), listening to me, hanging out with me, and being the best person you could possibly be. You truly have no idea how awesome you are, but I hope one day you'll be able to see in you what I do.

I love you, my big little bro. (And I'm not just saying that to make mom cry. I really do.)