An Open Letter to My Brother

Hey Big Bro. Evil Duty Buddy. Partner in Crime. Biggest Protector. Best Friend. Hey. It's me. Your 2 1/2 year younger sister.

I know you're probably not going to read this because let's be honest, you don't read. But if you are, I just wanted to say thank you.

Thank you for being my first and forever best friend.

From the day mom brought me home from the hospital to the moment I write this letter, you have been there through it all with me. You have harassed guys who hurt me. You have protected me while rumors and lies were spread about our family. You have laughed with (and at) me. You have been the one to go on crazy adventures with. You have survived our parents's divorce with me. You are the definition of a true best friend.

Thank you for being the man of the house.

We were young during the divorce. You were barely in your teenage years. But, you rose above the circumstances. You quickly learned how to protect this house at all costs. Typically, girls go after guys who resembles their father. After ours left, you have became the guy I model all my potential boyfriends after. You have spent your paychecks making sure I had what I needed (and what I wanted) so that mom had one less thing to worry about. You have taken me to practice, bought me dinner, and made sure I had everything taken care of. Sometimes, all in the same night.

Thank you for pushing me past my breaking point.

You push me to do well in school. You pushed me to do well on the court/in the field when I played sports. You push me to be the best version of myself possible. You push me to become a better Christian. You push me to give people chance after chance even when I just want to push everyone away. Sometimes, I hate it when you do, but I know that you are just making me a better person, and that I appreciate more than you know.

Thank you for being the one person I can always talk about sports with in the family.

We're always updating each other with player's stats, team rankings, UNC news, and anything involving sports. One of my favorite things in the world is going to B-Dubs with you because we're at our favorite restaurant and watching anything from FIFA games to college football games to UFC fights. You've always allowed me to be myself and have allowed me to be a girl that can talk sports with the rest of the guys. I also love beating you in C.O.D. on the Xbox!

Thank you for being older.

I am always "Joey's younger sister." Although sometimes teachers got complete opposites between us.

Thank you for teaching me about life.

You have taught me that I am a beautiful girl that does not need a guy to make me happy. You have taught me to always fight for myself and for those I love. You have taught me to always believe that I can do anything that I want. You have taught me to not change for anyone or anything. You have taught me that sometimes it's okay to go to bed at 8 at night but don't pass up the opportunities to stay up until 2 AM with friends. You have taught me to always laugh no matter what I'm going through. You have taught me that no matter what I do to always work hard. You have taught me how to tell the difference between good guys for me and guys who are not fit for me. You have taught me to never settle.

Thank you for being a better big brother than I could ever ask for.

I love you so much,

Your Little Sister