Dear Joseph,

You probably get tired of hearing me say this, but I remember when you were a baby. You were the smallest, chubbiest thing I had ever seen— and that fact remains true today. Joking aside, you were the first person I ever felt responsible for. I hope you know that as far as little brothers go, you're probably one of the greatest.

You probably wouldn't want me to tell everyone that you used to sing backup vocals while I belted Disney songs. And you'd probably want me to keep your one week of dance class a secret. But I think it's important to mention these things so I can tell everyone how you were gracious enough to let me stand alone in the spotlight. You never tried to compete for attention, like most siblings do. Maybe this is why we've always been friends.

I appreciated having you in the audience for my ballet recitals and my vocal recitals and my piano recitals. But I hope you know that I prefer these more recent days, where I get to cheer you on at band concerts and football half-time shoes and at JROTC Award Ceremonies. I hope you know that nothing makes me happier than being a cheerleader for you and our other little brother.

I hope you know how much you've contributed to my life. After all, you were the one who introduced me to the world of percussion. You were the one who encouraged me to learn how to play the xylophone. You were the one who rallied the drumline to vote for me to get the "Most Intellectual" award at the Band Banquet my senior year.

You are the person who communicates with me through memes and philosophical YouTube videos. You are the person who casually questions me about my most important ideals on a daily basis, with no desire to argue or to stir controversy: you just want to have a meaningful conversation.

And, perhaps most importantly, you introduced me to the FIFA World Cup. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

Love, Ashley

P.S. Never forget you were my first best friend.