Dear Little Person,
I have watched you grow from the day you were born. I was able to hear your first words and see your first steps. I can still remember the first time that you said my name (or at least your own version of it). The day that you were born, I remember not exactly knowing how to feel; I had been the baby in the family for 13 years! I was not ready to give that up. However, when I got to hold you that first time, all those feelings rushed away. I knew that I would climb the highest mountains and swim the largest seas just to keep you safe.
People tell me all the time how lucky you are to have me, but in reality, it's me who is lucky to have you. Everyone thinks that it's me who is teaching you about life, but that's not the case. You see, you've taught me so much more than I will ever be able to teach you. You taught me patience, you taught me kindness—but most importantly, you taught me how to love.
Of course, I loved people before you, but I never knew how much I could love another person until you come along. From your giggles to your cries, you have shown me what it's like to put someone else above myself. To not only want to see you happy, but to watch you grow as a person.
Something else you have taught me is fear. Until you, I never worried about what this world will be like in 30 years, but now, I fear what you will endure when you grow up. I remember growing up and how mean girls can be. I pray every single day that you never know heartbreak like I had to endure. I pray that you never feel worthless, abandoned or forgotten. I know it's not possible, but if there was a way for me to take all the hurt you'll ever feel away, I would.
I know chances are you will never get to read this, but I hope one day you can. I know I'm not always the nicest person, and sometimes I push you aside when I really shouldn't, but I'm growing, too. I know that you are only my little cousin, but sometimes I feel like you are my own.
So please forgive me if I don't always want to play tag for hours or seem fussy when you get into my makeup. I can't promise you that I'll ever be perfect, but I can promise that I'm trying my best. I promise that no matter where you go or what you do, no matter who you become or where your choices take you, I will always love you.
Truth is, you're the biggest blessing that I've ever received. To be completely honest, I liked being the baby in the family so it's not like I wanted you at first, but God works in mysterious ways. You give me so much love, and you look at me like I hung the stars in the sky; that motivates me to be someone that's worth your admiration. I know you would believe anything that comes out of my mouth, so believe this:
You'll always be my favorite little one, no matter how old you get.
One more thing. Promise you'll always love me, too?
Love always,
Your Favorite Person
