Dear little brother,

First, it is still crazy to me that you are growing up. I remember you being the dorky, annoying little boy that you once were – one that thought he could hangout with my friends and I, and often cried when we didn’t let him. Now, you are growing and maturing into more of an adult every single day. How could that have happened so quickly?

I want you to know just how much I do actually appreciate you – despite all the times I may have yelled at you, or was mean to you while we were growing up. I never realized how much of a blessing a little brother was. Here are some things that I want you to know as you continue to grow into the best man that you can be:

Please be nice to mom and dad

I know that they can sometimes be overbearing and annoying, but they really do mean their best. They only want to see what is best for you, and they can see so much more potential in you than you can yourself. They have dealt with your craziness long enough; they really do not need anymore. Realize that we do have great parents, and we are incredibly lucky to be able to say that. You may not realize that yet, but a few more semesters away from home, and you will understand that being home with them is such a blessing. Keep letting mom baby you and cheer obnoxiously at your football games, and keep watching sports and talking about life with dad. They appreciate these gestures way more than you think. Keep telling them about your life; they are genuinely interested in what you and your friends do. Call them just because – actually call home, they love getting updates and worry when they don’t hear from you. Honestly, they love you more than you can ever imagine and would give you the world if they could.

Stop settling for “okay” and “average”

You have never given yourself enough credit for anything that you do. You have always been satisfied with second best, or a lower test score. However, you are capable of so much more. The world is full of average; don’t let it label you as that, too. Always work harder, play longer and give it your best. I know that may seem difficult, but I have so much confidence in you. Whether you are focusing on your studies, football or a relationship, always know that you are capable of going above and beyond. Do not settle for average in anything: average friends, average purchases, average grades, nothing. You are such a special person, and you deserve the absolute best – please get that into your head.

Don’t become your friends

Boys your age are idiots – that’s not your fault, you guys are genetically designed to be that way during your teenage years. However, that does not mean you need to do the same boneheaded things that they do. Please use your head, and think of all the talks that mom and dad gave us about being smart. I know that your conscious still exists somewhere, you've just been hiding it these past few years. Please find it and bring it back. I would hate to see you mess up your life, and all of the potential you have, simply because your friends are idiots. You deserve people in your life who only want to see the best happen for you, and contribute to helping you get there.

You’ll find the girl someday

I know it may seem impossible now, or the idea may not even cross your mind, but someday you will find a girl who makes your heart happy; a girl that when you bring her home, the entire family will instantly fall in love with. She will be a good girl, and will bring out the best in you. At first, you wont know what the hell you are feeling because this will be completely new and you’ll be clueless. That’s okay – eventually you will figure it out, and realize that this is one of the best things that has ever happened to you. Treat this girl right. Between now and then, you will have your heartbroken a few more times. Understand that this hurt is only temporary, and all part of God’s plan. Know that whenever this happens, I am only a call or text away – you can vent, and I will listen without judgment, hopefully providing you with the advice you need. Don’t stress over this now, when she’s supposed to show up, God will put her there.

It’s okay to not know what you’re doing

I know this is something that you have been struggling with, and that’s all right. Though you may not always know where you’re going, please always know who you are, where you want to be and where you came from. You will eventually figure the rest of it out, and we’ll all be here cheering you on until you do – and, of course, afterward, too. Time will allow everything to fall into place, and you will come out of this stronger than you are now. Until then, don’t stress – relax, breathe and keep working. Focus on what makes you happy and a better person; you’ll be glad that you did someday.

All of the trials you face throughout your life, please know that I will gladly hold your hand through them. Though it may not always seem like it, I am extremely proud to be able to call you my baby brother. We may fight, and do not always get along, but I wouldn’t want to face life with anyone else by side.

Thank you for being the biggest pain in the ass I have ever had to deal with. Thank you for putting up with me when I am moody and cranky. Thank you for allowing me to be your big sister. Thank you for being an influence in my life. Thank you for sharing with me for all of these years. Thank you for dealing with “little brother syndrome” in school. Thank you for helping me grow. Thank you for being you.

I love you more than you can ever understand, and am beyond grateful for you every day.

Love,

Your big sister