Being a twin is all I have ever known. While the first five minutes of my life were spent alone, I was quickly nestled next to my brother once he finally followed me into the world. The only memories I really have from childhood are with my womb-mate. Whether it was being Blues Clues and Steve for Halloween or using my dollhouse for Barbie and G-I Joe weddings, we were always together. Being a twin is something that is part of you, just like having freckles or blue eyes, and it’s something that should never be taken for granted.

As individual and different as we are, we are one in the same. Your interests in wildlife don't coincide with mine in writing, but we are consistently labeled together. Being a twin does not define us, but is something that we embrace as part of who we are.

To my twin, thank you for always being there for me. For having my back in arguments with mom, defending me against bullies, or for helping me up after a bad fall in the driveway. Thank you for coming to my athletic events, even when they were hours away, and cheering me on no matter the score, or no matter how badly you wanted to go home. Thank you for helping me when I was too stubborn to admit that I needed you. It seems that through the good, the bad, and the alright, you were always by my side, my permanent partner through life. And I thank you for that.

Most importantly, thank you for being my best friend. While we had our rough patches, you were always there for me, sharing in the laughs and the heartaches. Whether it was a lonely Friday night or a goofy Saturday brunch with friends, you always included me; never left me hanging. There is no one else that I would rather dance around the house or spend lazy Sunday mornings with. While it might be overlooked, you were there through it all and that means more to me than words can describe.

Don't be fooled, you drive me crazy. I will never understand why you need to practice guitar and sing at the top of your lungs while I'm trying to sleep or why you are the slowest eater that I know. You love to make fun of me for the way I drive and you always need to get the last word in an argument. Even though you make me insane, these are the characteristics that will never change and I accept them because they make up your wacky personality.

You were my friend from the start, and we have grown together in many ways and apart in others. While we have grown more independent of each other as the years have passed us, I have grown to appreciate you more than ever. As not only my twin, but my closest friend, I am beyond grateful to have adventured life to this point with you, and I look forward for what is to come.