Big brothers are like guardians over the precious curly-haired angels running through the house with a diaper and a smile. You were more than that when we were kids, you were my best friend. I never say it enough, but I love to be your little sis. I want to thank you for all the little things, big things, and everything in between.

Thank you for playing outside with me in the blazing heat making mud patties, playing soldiers, and pushing me in my cozy coop car. Those were the days, man. You taught me how to drive a four-wheeler and showed me how to be brave. You were my role model and I wanted to be just like you. I never stopped looking up to you, literally.

Thank you for holding my hand everywhere we went. Thank you for my very first nickname. Thank you for being here as I've grown. Thank you for giving me privacy. Thank you for always being fair. Thank you for your willingness to help me if I ever need anything.

Growing up meant we went our separate ways. You lived your life and I lived mine and we stopped talking almost altogether. We didn't seem to like each other anymore or speak without making one of us mad. Thank you for coming back into my life with open arms. Thank you for confiding in me again. Thank you for inviting me to do things with you again. Thank you for the reassurance that I will always have a best friend in you.

Thank you for all the memories we shared: riding bikes around Hilton Head Island, rolling around in the mud puddles at Granny's, blowing out my birthday candles with me, buying me colored pencils and a sketch pad that one Christmas because you knew how much I love them, making sure my boyfriend treats me right, giving me your honest opinions, flipping four wheelers in the sandlot and pinky swearing not to tell, pushing me into the pool, and showing me what it means to be a good person. I couldn't imagine life without you and all you've taught me. I love you and I know you love me.

Thanks, Big Bro.