To my not-so-little brother,
You are growing up so fast, and I need it to stop. I know time won’t slow down, but sometimes I wish we could rewind to the days where we would spend endless hours in Grandma’s living room together. Actually, I would even settle for just rewinding to the days where you were shorter than me.
Nowadays our lives are on different pages, and our parents are lucky if they can get us all in the same room for more than a few hours at a time. Sometimes it’s hard to tell you how I feel about the person you’re becoming (mainly because you would tease me endlessly). But as you grow up and as you continue to find your own place in this world, as your big sister, here are some things I want you to always keep in mind:
No, I don’t think you’re a pain all the time
Though I may make fun of you or get annoyed with you faster than I would with anyone else, I really do value all the time we have together. There is nothing I enjoy more than your company watching SVU until the early morning on summer nights or our car rides where you show me your favorite new music. I appreciate you putting up with me and sticking up for me always, even when I’m wrong. I also appreciate you being real with me and telling me when I’m truly wrong. Even though you always try to steal my spotlight and claim to be the better sibling, I guess you’re a pretty great sibling to have. There is no one else I would rather fight over the spotlight (or the TV remote) with.
“Be careful” means “stay smart”
All boys your age (and even my age) can be dumb. I know you and your friends do stupid things, and the conversations you guys have are not always the most… intellectual. But I know you, and I know that you’re a smart kid. You have fun but you also know when enough is enough. You don’t let anyone peer pressure you or push you into doing stupid things just because it may look “cool.” For all of this, I am so incredibly proud of you, you get your strong willpower from Dad. I don’t know how you did it, but you somehow managed to make friends with other teenaged boys that actually have good heads on their shoulders just like you do (this type is such a rare breed). I know the stereotypes that come with being a jock in high school, and you’ve certainly proved all those negative stereotypes wrong. Just know that I do love the stories you tell me about the stupid and random things you and your friends do, it’s always the perfect excuse for a laugh. But also know that when I tell you to be careful, I’m not saying it to be a buzzkill, I really just mean that I want you to stay smart because I don't know what I would do without you.
Always be kind to our parents
When it comes to the treatment of our parents, keep doing what you’re doing. You have no idea how much it means to our parents when you make them laugh. I know Dad may try to hide his laugh because your jokes are not always as conservative as he is, but he really does love when you tell him every lame joke or every funny thing that happened to you during the day. You make Mom laugh until she keels over from laughing so hard, so obviously, you know how much she loves it. They both work so hard and break their backs for the two of us every single day both at work and at home. Everything they do is somehow related to us, so the least we could do is make their day and help them to laugh when life gets stressful. No one knows how to break up the tension or stress like you do with your famous one liner that makes everyone stop and appreciate, “You’re going to miss this.” Even though you usually say it sarcastically (or when you’re the one being annoying) it always does the trick. It’s important to realize that the days of us all living under the same roof are numbered. We may smother our parents with our presence more than they appreciate at times, but one day, they really will miss it.
Thank you for being protective
I know I don’t tell you often about how much this means to me, but I appreciate how protective you are over me. Whether it is a guy I’m seeing or my physical safety, you are always concerned for my wellbeing and it means the world to me. I can’t leave the house or end a phone call without you telling me to “stay safe and drive safe.” Just those little things are enough to show me you care. I appreciate you always taking an interest in the boyfriends I have introduced you to, for simultaneously welcoming them and watching them cautiously. I appreciate you defending me and sticking up for me when I let go of boyfriends that you got close to. When I was abroad, you always made sure that I was safe and you were always concerned when my safety was compromised. When you found out that I am going back to Europe this summer, you told me I couldn’t go and asked Mom and Dad how they could let me go when it is currently unsafe. I know these are all such small acts, but it reassures me that you’re here for me like I am for you.
Never settle
You deserve nothing but the best and never settle for less than that. Whether it is in a relationship, your academics, or in anything else, mediocrity is never worth it, so always go the extra mile. Don’t wish away any days no matter how irrelevant or stressful they may seem at the time. You’re growing up so fast, you need to each day and learn to let go of anything that doesn’t make you happy. Life is short, and everything happens in the blink of an eye. You can have the world, and you sure know how to work for it (you get this from Mom). With that being said, sometimes letting go of things is hard. I know you’re tough on yourself sometimes, but you need to know your worth. The sooner you learn this, the better.
Know that I will always have your back
Whether it be a relationship issue, a school issue, fight with the parents, or just you asking for my opinion on an outfit, I will always have your back without fail. Thank you for always trusting me and knowing that I will never let you down. I am always a call away to bail you out of any situation and I will always be protective of you. I know that you’re way stronger physically than I am (even though I will never admit that to your face), but I will always defend you even when you don’t ask for it. No one is allowed to mess with you, except for me.
I’m thankful for all that you’ve done for me
All older siblings know that our lives change dramatically once a little sibling comes into the picture. If you’re lucky enough, like I have been, a little sibling can change your life for the better. Since the day you were born, you have been one of life’s greatest gifts to me. I used to carry you around and take care of you as if you were my own real-life baby doll. Growing up beside you has taught me more than you will ever know. I’m thankful to have a brother like you who knows the importance of valuing your family. I’m thankful that I have a brother who knows me and my sense of humor, and I’m thankful that you always send me videos that you know I will laugh at. I’m thankful that I have a brother who is so secure in who he is, that he doesn’t conform to society’s demands. I am thankful that I have a brother who is not only my sibling but also my lifelong best friend. Lastly, I’m just thankful that you are who you are because it has taught me a lot about who I am.
I’m so proud of you
Most important of all, I always hope you know how incredibly proud I am of the person you have grown to be. Our parents did a great job raising us, but I’m glad to know you live with their lessons and morals in your life every day. You are respectful, kindhearted, smart, and hysterical. You are a good student, friend, sibling; you are a good person through and through. Just know that I will always be your biggest fan no matter how embarrassing that may be for you. Of all the little brothers I could’ve gotten stuck with, I’m glad I’m stuck with you. I will forever smother you with love, sass, and protectiveness, but it is all because I love you.
Love always,
Your big sister
P.S. If you ever try to use any of this against me, I promise I will deny every word.
