There was a time when it seemed that your soul purpose was to torture me or make fun of me. You wouldn't dream of letting me hang out with you and your friends, you hated when I yelled to you in the school halls and never laughed at my jokes. You were my big brother, and I was just your annoying little sister; that's how things were supposed to be. I never imagined there would be a day when I could call you a friend, and now that day has come and I could not be happier to be able to say that. I also realize now that I wouldn't be who I am or where I am today without you, so I thank you.

I could go through a list of cliche reasons that a big brother is important--thank you for protecting me and teaching me lessons you thought I'd need to know, things like that; but I like to think that you did much more than just that.

You've helped me learn to appreciate life. You live with such passion for the life that you live and don't care about the opinions of anyone else. You've shown me that it is possible to live a life full of adventure. You've helped me see that the opinions of other's mean nothing. I watch you live the way that you want. I see you living a life that makes you happy, trying to bring laughs to the world, not caring if anyone around you doesn't agree with how you've chosen to live; that's how I've learned to do the same. Life is much happier now that I live for myself. So, thank you.

You've shown me the importance of laughter. I can't remember a time when you weren't making everyone around you smile. You've shown me how much importance optimism and laughter hold. Not everyone gets to say that their big brother is the funniest guy they know, but I'm one of the lucky ones I guess. You're responsible for some of my happiest memories, some of the the best jokes I've ever heard, and for bringing endless laughter into my life. So, thank you.

I could never be half the person I am now if it wasn't for you. I'm a better big sister, a stronger friend and have some great joke material, all because of your influence. You continuously support me, challenge me, and show me that there is much more to life than what I think. Not only have you fulfilled those cliche roles of a big brother, but more importantly you've helped me learn to live life fully. I want everyday to be filled with laughter, adventure, stories and excitement, and that's thanks to you. My life is full of much more substance thanks to your influence.

So, as our lives move along and we both grow and change in our own ways, know that I will forever be thankful for the impact you've had on my life. I'm a better, stronger, happier person because of you, and that is something I could never thank you enough for.