Dear Baby Brother,
You're growing up and it would be a lie to say that this doesn't stress me out. I look at you and wonder where all the time went. I still remember the day you were born; the nurse had to bribe me with fig newtons to let you leave the room.
Do you remember when you got a bit older? We had a play radio station for a week; we'd sit in the living room for hours blasting music, pausing in between songs to answer calls from our imaginary listeners on my Barbie play phone. A month later we opened a hotel, and after that we ran a grocery store. All those years we experimented with all the jobs we could have one day. I never thought we'd actually be talking about what we wanted to do with our lives. You're actually looking into colleges and careers and it seems like just yesterday we were arguing about who got to be the doctor and who got to be the patient. You see, you have all these big dreams. You've talked to me about being a baseball player, a physical therapist, a doctor, a lawyer, and a chef. Every new idea you have is more fantastic than the last, and I cannot wait to see what you decide on. I know whatever you choose, you'll do great.
I remember when Mommy used to tell me that one day my friends would want to date you. I used to gag at the thought because, well...cooties. I mean, you're a cute kid, it runs in the family, so don't get me wrong. But I refuse to ever view you as datable by anybody. Once while I was out, a girl saw your photo as my screensaver and asked if you were my boyfriend. I got grossed out immediately saying, "No! That's my baby brother!" She, of course, doesn't see you as a baby. But the truth is, it doesn't matter how tall you get or how handsome you become, you will always be my baby brother. It's taken a lot of willpower for me to come to terms with the idea of you, my perennially three-year-old brother, dating. I think she'll be pretty lucky to have you, quite honestly. I like to think that growing up with an older sister has made you jaded to all the wonderful and terrible, beautiful and ugly sides a girl could have. You're a good guy, insanely sweet, and defend the ones you love recklessly.
I haven't told you this yet, but you're my best friend. Since I left for college we've had our ups and downs, but for the past year and a half we've gotten closer than ever. We can easily spend hours on FaceTime and text frequently. You bring me your worries and fears and I tell you everything will be okay so long as you do the same for me. I honestly wish I listened to Mommy sooner about becoming a friend of yours in addition to being your sister. You know me better than anybody and I can trust you with my life. I'm lucky to have you and I happen to think you're lucky to be stuck with me.
Remember, my baby brother, you will always be a child in my eyes. As much as it annoys you, I ask you to please hear me worry about you, and trust me when I say I can help. I may not always understand but let me pretend. I need to feel like you need me because I need you. I will always need my little brother to set me straight when I go astray and I hope you let me do the same for you.
All of my love,
Your Big Sister
P.S. Don't forget to call me
