Dear “Little” Brother,

The adjective “little” certainly doesn’t apply to you any longer, for you now tower over me and have more muscle in your big toe than I do in my entire body. Nonetheless, you’ll always be my “little” brother.

When you first came along, I prayed and prayed that you’d be a girl. I mean, what girl doesn’t wish for a little sister? A forever playmate, best friend and a mini version of you to dress up and brush makeup on and play dolls with. However, since the day Mom and Dad brought you home from the hospital, we have developed the kind of sibling relationship a girl could only hope for. Whether it was building living-room forts or playing “lightning basketball” in the driveway, you became a different kind of playmate for me, one I could never thank God enough for giving me. Today, you are someone I can always count on for a laugh, my permanent gym buddy, and so much more.

I see a lot of me in you, and I truly adore that. That is, besides our identical messy blonde hair and light blue eyes. Your shy disposition, except when you’re around the people you love most. Your athleticism, the way you work at your sport tirelessly. Your brains, how you always put school first. But most of all, I love that we share the same big heart. The way we both love the people in our lives with all we have, and that we both truly understand that that’s what matters most in this life: people.

I am so proud of the person you’ve become. Your hard work and dedication in all aspects of this life is inspiring. I want so much out of this life for you, and I cannot wait to see what you accomplish. Your milestones, like graduating high school, graduating college, getting married, starting a family, will truly be some of the greatest days of my life. God truly smiles on you, little bro; you deserve the world and so much more.

You truly are the greatest gift our parents have ever given me. I hope you never lose your childlike sense of wonder, and that you forever cherish our memories, as I know I will. Never grow up, little buddy.

Love always,

Your big sister