Dear Little Brother,

I remember how tiny you were when you were born. I remember holding you in my arms and looking at your small hands, you wrapped one around my finger and smiled up at me. Everything about you was so small, so delicate, so cute. Until I had to change your diaper, that was not cute. I remember when you first started rolling over and crawling. You were so fast, it was hard to keep track of you. I remember when you went to a pre-school program that my school at the time ran. I remember walking past the classroom and you saw me. You ran over and hugged my legs and wouldn't let go. I remember your first day of kindergarten, and your first lost tooth. I remember when you first learned to ride a bike.

It all seems like it was just yesterday. I know you hate it when I call you my baby brother, but to me, that's what you'll always be. You're 9 years younger than me, and by default that makes you my baby brother. I can't believe you're going to be in middle school in just two years. You're growing up so fast, it's hard to believe at times. I was your age when you were born. I've been there for all your milestones, and you've been there for some of my most important ones too. You were there for my first day of middle school, even though you don't remember it because you were only two. You were there for my first day of high school, and for my high school graduation. You visited Stony Brook with me in my Junior year, and you were more excited than I was for me to go there. That certainly affected my decision, at least a little bit. You love my school just as much as I do - someday you might follow in my footsteps (that is, if you aren't doing greater things).

You want to be an inventor, a chef, a scientist, and so many other things, and I want you to reach for the stars. Explore all the opportunities available to you, you have time to figure out what you want to do. You don't have to make a decision for a few years. Soon enough, you'll be where I am, having just finished your first semester of college. And I'll be there for you. The perks of having an older sister, I've been through all that lies ahead of you. I can help you through it. I'll read and re-read and keep re-reading your college essays when the time comes. I'll help you list pro's and con's of all the colleges you're considering. I'll help you decide what sports team or clubs to join.

I know you feel like I baby you, but it's just because I care about you. The bond we have is a special one. We hang out and talk about Pokemon, or books, or play Just Dance really late on school nights. We've been making faces at each other since you could react to my faces. I know you miss me when I'm at college, I miss you too. No matter how far away I am, no matter how annoyed you are that I won in Just Dance, you're my baby brother, and nothing can change that. My first job is being your big sister.

Thank you for being a wonderful little brother. Thank you for going down to the basement with me and killing all the spiders. Thank you for being my partner-in-crime, and playing video games with me. You always manage to make me smile and laugh. And your hugs are hands down the best. Keep reaching for the stars kiddo, you'll do great things. I know it.

Love,

Your Big Sis