Oh boy, Oh boy, Oh…girl?

Yup, that sounds about right. My mentors, my role models, my protectors, my partners in crime: my older brothers. Growing up under the wings of my brothers has been great, and fun, and sometimes seemed terrible, but I definitely would not have had it any other way. I guess we owe it to our parents for raising us the way they did; but I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you, to my brothers.

Thank you, for being my built in best friends, while simultaneously being my built in enemies at times. Rarely, but sometimes.

Thank you, for accepting me into the brotherly bond you two had already established before I was born.

Thank you, for rough housing with me, sometimes to the point of tears, but always through love and never through hate. You both, although sometimes against my will, taught me to be tough and strong.

Thank you, for teasing me…it taught me how to tease you back, HA! But seriously, it taught me how to take a joke, a quite important characteristic to have these days. I can think of multiple occasions where I would be arguing about something stupid with one of you and then laugh and smile to myself once you’ve walked away. Just because it felt so cool to be able to have people to do that with, while knowing deep down we will still always have the greatest relationship out there: being siblings.

Thank you, for having “sleepovers” with me and letting me move my mattress in between your beds on the floor in your room. Great times.

Thank you, for paving the way for me through school by establishing meaning to our last name. I have heard, “Oh, you’re one of them? Great kids, I loved them. If you’re anything like them we’ll get along great”, from endless amounts of teachers and coaches, which instantly made me feel more comfortable.

Thank you, for supporting me through everything I do. Although we always had conflicting sports games and could rarely watch each other’s; thanks for asking how my games went or texting me before big games. And for not resisting too hard when Mom dragged you to all of my dance recitals…even if that means you came and fell asleep one dance in, in the back of the auditorium - you know who you are.

Thank you, for even though we are in our twenties, continuing to make old jokes and references to some of our favorite memories or shows/movies.

Thank you, for being so protective over me when it comes to boys. Yes, I know you won’t actually beat up “that kid Mom says I’m talking to” when you meet him, but thanks for “Pip-Pip-Da-Doodly-Do”-ing when necessary - Drake & Josh reference for all of you that are confused right now.

Thank you, for taking some for the team and making mistakes along the way so I know how to avoid them as I grow up.

Thank you, for growing up with me, and continuing to do so, as the best friends I never asked for, and arguably the world’s greatest brothers.

Xoxo bros, but I would also really appreciate it if a certain one of you came home sometime soon, I could use the car. Thanks.