Dear little bro,

You've been around for almost as long as I can remember, and although my 3-year-old self wanted to trade you in for that dog and that really shiny new toy, I guess it's OK Mom and Dad said no.

There are many things to be thankful for having you in my life, and here are just a few...

Thank you for being my support system at those long holiday dinners and family reunions. Especially when the family starts talking politics...

Thank you for keeping me company on those random Saturday nights where I said I was doing homework and then forcing me to entertain you. I secretly appreciated getting a break.

Thank you for sharing a secret language with me. Mom and Dad may not have understood it, but that was the point. Especially, the post-camp talk that drove them crazy but we loved.

Thank you for not only not judging me during my awkward phases, but for still looking up to me during them. I know it must've been hard, but thanks for sticking by me.

Thank you for not being the biggest tattletale. You had your moments, but it could've been worse. So thanks for looking out for me and covering for me.

Thank you for letting me dress you up and put makeup on you as a kid. You didn't really have a choice, but thanks for putting up with me.

Thank you for holding down the fort while I'm away at school. It's probably not easy being an only child in the house at the moment, but you're doing well thus far!

Thank you for loving me even when I went through that phase where I thought I was too cool for the world.

And thank you for not pushing me away when you went through that phase where you thought you were too cool for the world.

Most importantly, thank you for being my best friend.

Much love,

Your awesome big sister