I so often see online thank you notes, from a sister to her brothers (I've written one myself), but there is a group that is forgotten way too often and damn well shouldn't be - the brothers' best friends.
For me, I am lucky enough to have not only one, but two brothers and therefore two amazing group of guys I have been blessed enough to grow up with. Being the baby in the family, these guys were always around me, whether as a collective or individually. Both my brothers found their groups very early in life, and I am so grateful that I have never had to know life without all of them.
To the "original bros," I was pretty young when you guys were consistently around, but you never made me feel like a child. You guys always checked in with me to see how I was doing and never excluded me from the fun. Whether you were playing a game outside and invited me to join, or were playing video games in our basement and let me watch you play (it sounds weird but I enjoyed it), you let me feel like one of the bros, and for that, I can't thank you enough. You guys also always knew how to make me laugh and I would get giddy every time you guys came over. Lastly, thank you for setting an example of how guys should behave. Although I was very young and not yet at the point of dating, you showed me what I should look for in a guy by being so caring, so funny, and so kind. So, whether you knew you were doing it or not, you have made such an impact on shaping who I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
To the "Noah bros," every time I come home from college, I get so excited knowing that not only do I get to see my family, but I also get to see you. You are some of the most hilarious individuals I've ever met and I always laugh until I cry when you are in our house. You guys, truly, bring the fun. Additionally, even when I was the annoying little sister, you never were rude to me and always made me feel included, much like the aforementioned bros. I also thank you for protecting me even when I didn't ask for it. You have been around since I started dating and you were there during my series of bad decisions, but you never shamed me, you just wanted to protect me. I knew in the back of my mind throughout that whole time period that if I anyone ever hurt me, they would have some hell to pay in the form of a protective group of brothers. You guys are so incredible and I genuinely love every minute you spend in my family's home. I hope you know how grateful I am for all of you.
To the bros, I love you guys so much and I don't know I got so lucky to have all of you as brothers.
Watching you guys grow into capable young men has been a joy and I can't wait to see what else you guys will accomplish. Thanks for being not only my brothers' friends, but my friends too, and, most importantly, thank you for being the unbelievable men you are.
