I am a firm believer that family is one of the most important things in our lives, that it is the biggest support system that you could ever rely on, and the group of people that will always love you for who you are, and who you strive to be. I understand that there are many different situations out there, but I also know that it relies on every one of us to define and decide who is a part of our "family”.

Out of all the great relatives that I am so blessed to have, I want to bring up someone special, someone that might be shocked to read this article but hopefully will love it and keep it in his mind.

Little brother, if you are reading this know that I was never handed a booklet or a “how-to” guide on how to be the best big sister. I have to admit that it definitely would have come in handy this past years and the many more that are to come. Before you were born, I was so thrilled to know that I was getting to be a “role-model”, one of your guides in this crazy world, your play mate, someone whom you can rely on, and your best friend. But I have to admit, I learned as much as you did all along this years, I learned to share, to protect and to understand; I learned empathy and to control my anger. I learned that we were similar in some aspects and different in others, and over all, I learned the bond and love that siblings can really get to share.

I have seen you grow up to be the person you are today, and I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of you. I know that I have been more absent than present this past 3 years, and as much as I would’ve liked to be there to celebrate your success and to advise and help when things didn’t go so well, I took my chances and left to study; only because I knew that you were ready and strong enough to make your own decisions, and to work towards your goals. Even though I might not be right next to you, I am right beside you in every step you take.

I am sorry for not telling you these heartfelt things more often, since you and I would rather be goofy and joke around each other to laugh and live every moment in the happiest way we can. Well, now that I created the opportunity to talk about this I want to tell you that I am the proudest sister on Earth, that I know you work hard and push through hard moments because you are tough and a fighter. I also know that you are smart and passionate about the things you like, and that has inspired me to pursue some of my own goals. You have many talents to show, and some yet still to explore but I am sure that in the end of the road you will make a wise use of them all.

I miss you every day, although you might not hear it.
I love you so much and I always will, and I hope you never forget it.

Out of all the things that I have learned recently, not taking things for granted is probably one that I keep in mind constantly because now from the distance, I get to see things with a different perspective. So, readers, don’t hold back words that you would want someone to hear, say them now so you don’t regret not saying it later. Let that person or people know how important they are to you.

P.S.: See you soon, brother!