Ever since I can remember, or at least as far back as I can remember due to the inability or recall episodic memories between the ages of two to four, my brother has been my role model, idol and like my second father. I used to become frustrated when he tried to act like my parent when I was growing up, even though he was in charge of me when my parents were not around. Being eight years apart in age could have made it easy not to bond or have a close relationship, but we always embraced the special bond between us. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be the person I am today. He has made such a huge impact in my life, along with the rest of my family.

I am blessed to call him my brother, and I wake up every day and remind myself of how grateful I am that we are siblings. I've learned so many valuable life lessons from my big bro, but to sum it up, here are the main ones:

1. Always keep GOD #1 and let your faith become bigger than your fears

Ever since I can recall, no matter how much adversity he had to overcome, he prayed harder and harder and thanked the Lord for a new day. Sometimes he would even come to give me a hug and kiss before I went to bed, and he would say my prayers with me. To this day, even when his stress levels rise, he knows the Lord has plans for him.

2. Importance of family

He has always loved being around family. He would rather stay in on a Friday night and watch a movie than be out on the town with a ton of people. He has always been good at balancing friends and family, and he has never forgotten how special it is to spend time with family.

3. Be yourself, and no one else.

Being confident with who you are is sometimes a struggle that we all face. Sometimes we wish we were taller, or smarter, or had more of this or that, but I truly can say that my brother never tries to be anyone but himself. It shows in his character how confident and content he is with being himself.

4. Let your "haters" be your motivation

There are always going to be people who try to pull you down, or make you think that you aren't smart enough or talented enough to succeed. My brother is a perfect example of this, right here. He started his own personal training business about five plus years ago, and his hard work has truly paid off over the years. With God, all things are possible, and with hard work, all of your dreams are attainable. Never forget that the sky is the limit.

5. Overcoming adversity shapes you

One of the biggest obstacles that my big brother has had to overcome was when he was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Not only was he diagnosed years ago when it was still uncommon and unheard of, but it is a complete lifestyle change. The frustration that you feel when you begin to research and realize that there is wheat, barley and rye in so many foods, or even certain shampoos, makes you feel like you are living in a bubble at first. This is one of the many struggles that I have seen him take and change it from a negative to a positive experience. His love for nutrition and helping clients with meal plans has grown since he was diagnosed and he is incredibly knowledgeable and gifted with it.

6. The right man will respect you

Just like any older and protective big brother, they never want to see you get hurt. I don't know that I have ever seen "my best bud" more mad or angry than when a guy broke my heart. My brother is one of the most kind, caring and respectful men that I know, and he has shown me what it is truly like to respect women.

7. What it is like to have a true, true best friend.

We have always been close, and enjoyed doing a lot of things together, but as I've aged and once I became an adult, our bond has only grown closer and closer. He is my very best friend, and I know that no matter what, he will always be there when I need anything at all. He always knows what to say just to cheer me up, and he always reminds me how precious life is and all of the many amazing things it has to offer.

Thank you for being the best big brother that I could ever ask for. I am beyond grateful to have you in my life. I love you, bud.