My dearest cousin,

You aren't into sappy stuff, so I'll try and keep this as unsentimental as possible. (although I'll probably fail).

Where can I possibly begin with you? Do I begin at the time I fell down the stairs at your house when we were five and you were made to hold my hand every time after that? Do I begin at our vacation to Disney, or at our sleepover where we were "forced" to play Chinese checkers? Do I begin in the video store where the woman thought we were dating "don't hit your girlfriend over the head like that!" Do I begin at the time I cried in your car about a guy, and you just didn't know what to say so you kept driving?

Having a cousin who is a) 10 months apart from you in age and b) one of your best friends is one of the biggest blessings I could have ever asked for.

I couldn't possibly pinpoint one moment, or one memory, that is my favorite with you, because we have so many. If we aren't together on a weekend we are both home from college, it's weird. I thought out relationship would change when we went our separate ways for college, but it only got stronger. It has made me genuinely appreciate you and the time we spend together.

I also appreciate the fact that you silently have my back. You aren't one for talking, and there are times I talk enough for both of us. (I can see your mom and dad laughing as they read this). Yet, that doesn't mean you don't offer your support in other ways. If there is anyone in this world that I can depend on to be there for me always, it's you.

Although our texts are mostly inside jokes about our middle school days or us making fun of each other, I know when push comes to shove, you would do anything for me.

I remember vividly when I was so upset that I couldn't go to your senior prom like I planned because of something that happened, and you texted me that night, saying "his date wasn't half as pretty as you anyway".

Little things like that break through your "I don't care" facade, and I couldn't be happier that I am one of the people who get to see the real you. You definitely see the real me, and have been a shoulder in both good and bad times. You are one of the best people I know, and I truly hope you see in yourself what I have seen in you my whole life.

I love having a cousin that I am so close to, and I wouldn't trade you for the world. I know we drive each other crazy, but if I didn't have you, I don't know what I'd do.

Thank you for being a constant in my life, being there when I need it, and for being my very best friend.

I love you.

Love,

Your cousin