I was about to turn eight years old when I received the greatest present of my life. It wasn't a toy; it was a person. It was you.

I was an only child for eight years, so I was obviously thrilled to have a younger sibling (hence my sarcasm). I was beyond confused, to say the least, but I remember being so excited to tell the whole entire extended family of the new addition to our small, three-person household. I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday; you were easily the first boy who ever stole my heart. I held you every day after school and have watched you grow up right before my eyes. You might be the biggest brat face that I know, but you're my brat face and my best friend. You're the best face swap partner (see below) and my favorite secret keeper.

You have taught me so much about life and about love in these short thirteen years. Your tender heart and love for the world are both inspiring and convicting. You would do absolutely anything for anyone, even if you didn't like the person. Honestly, I'm jealous of your ability to love anyone and everyone. You're the most loyal person I have ever met, and it's almost one of your faults. You love with everything in your being, you would fight a losing battle for those you care about. We may argue, but it's because I'm good at picking fights. Even in those moments, I know you'd do absolutely anything for me. You are the best and most loyal friend I have ever come across.

You have shaped me more than I ever thought someone your age would. You have given me new perspectives on life and have pushed me to my greatest limits. You have taught me to not take life so seriously and that having fun is just as important. You have brought so much laughter into my life and have given me a new sense of humor that I would never have acquired otherwise.

You are protective, as protective as an almost 13-year-old could be. You've held my hand as I've cried because of dumb boys, and have given some amazing advice on the guys I have dated. You are right there to pick me up when someone puts me down. When I first started dating my boyfriend, you responded with: "Before he ever thinks about getting down on one knee, he better know he has to go through me first!" You are simply the best security guard of my heart that I could ever ask for.

You believe in my dreams and celebrate my accomplishments as if they were your own. You help me see the positive in every situation. In you, I see someone who is strong, loyal and is willing to sacrifice for his family. In you, I see qualities of Daddy and qualities I want my husband to possess.

You're the best kind of medicine that can get on my nerves on any given day, but are also my best friend. You are the glue that has held me together most days. Together or apart, being your sister is one of the biggest blessings I have ever experienced. My heart bursts when I get to brag on you; you're the greatest, period. God knew exactly what he was doing when He placed you in my life.

I always questioned why our parents placed us so far apart in age (we were both planned, I promise) and it's taken until I left for college for two years ago to understand it. Somehow, they knew we'd eventually be best friends. I wouldn't change anything for the world.