It felt like just yesterday that you were riding your bike ahead of me around the neighborhood. You were just coming to say goodnight to me at my bunk in front of all of my friends who were jealous that I had an older sister at camp.

I remember watching you throw your cap in the air at your high school graduation. Soon enough you were moving into your freshman year dorm. I was watching you with excitement; you were a college student–that was cool.

Now I’m the college student. You’re a college GRAD.

You were always three steps ahead of me, so this should be normal, right? Nope. On your eighteenth birthday, we all told you that we couldn’t believe you were an adult. However, you weren’t really one yet (no offense).

Now, though, it’s legit. You’re living in the big, scary world. You’re getting a REAL job, with a desk, and no summer break. Soon enough, home for you will be some tiny apartment. Coming to us will be a departure, rather than a return.

Weird stuff.

I don’t mean for it to sound bad. I mean, this is REALLY exciting. You graduated college. You’re about to start a career, create a new home, find new friends. There is so much unknown ahead of you, and it’s all going to be great.

I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things that you do and all of the amazing places that you go. Thanks for always being three steps ahead of me, so I can watch you and learn. I know you have BIG things ahead of you. Good luck, college GRAD. The real world doesn't know what's coming.