There are so many things I wish you were old enough to understand. Like how no matter how much you might annoy me, you will always be the person I would drop everything for. Like how you are the one person I will try my hardest to take care of and how you are the person I will fight the hardest for to make sure you get everything you want and more.
From the moment you were born, you became not only my best friend, but my nemesis. Throughout the years, we've fought, we've battled for power, and there has been lots and lots of crying. But, we also joined forces, actually got along for more than 10 minutes and shared many many laughs. Good or bad, I would never trade our time together for anything else in the world.
Marian Sandmaier said, "A sibling may be the keeper of one's identity, the only person with the keys to one's unfettered, more fundamental self," and I couldn't agree more. You have seen me grow and change so much throughout the years, maybe without even realizing. You saw my punk rocker phase, my "parents suck" phase, my weird "not quite a kid, not quite an adult" phase and so much worse. And I've had the greatest pleasure of seeing you grow up as well. You started out as a little baby and now you're growing up into a man with a better wardrobe than me, and I couldn't be prouder.
Being my younger brother, it has been my job since the day you were born to love and protect you. I used to always tell you if someone ever messed with you that you better tell them you've got a crazy big sister waiting to kick some ass. And to this day and every day to come, that statement will always stay true.
It's so crazy to think that you aren't that sweet little baby anymore, that you're reaching new milestones in your life and becoming more and more not-so-little every day. Whether you like it or not, I will always want to be there for you and keep you safe. There were so many times growing up where I felt like a young mom, and somewhere along the road I realized that it was perfectly OK. Taking care of you will always be my top priority, no matter how old we are or where we end up. I will always be honest with you, I will always protect you, I will always be there when you need me, and I will always be the best friend you need.
One day you'll be the not-so-baby younger brother, and although I look forward to that moment, I cherish the time we have now more than anything. I'm so happy we have the relationship we do, and I cannot wait for it to flourish as the years go on.
I love you and will never stop being thankful to have you in my life.
