Little Brother,
You are not really little anymore. You don’t need me to tell you what to do anymore (even though I still do it anyway) because you know right from wrong – most of the time. You don’t need me to take the blame in front of mom and dad like I used to, even when I totally did not deserve it. You don’t need me to bite off the sharp part of the french fry and give you the soft middle because you have a full set of teeth now. You don’t need me to read to you (even though half of the time you didn’t want me to anyway). You don’t need me to be your personal chauffer because you have friends who drive now. Soon you’ll start driving too. And weirdest of all, we don’t even really live together anymore.
A lot of things are changing, but there are so many things that will never change. You will never stop needing my help, especially with things I’ve already experienced – driving, getting a job, college and scholarship applications. Maybe even some relationship advice if you’re not too embarrassed. You will always hear me cheering you on during everything you participate in.
You will always be reminded of how you should treat other people because your sister (me) is never not going to be a feminist. You will always learn from my mistakes, because chances are I’ve made all of the ones you are thinking about making. You will always be my lookout and protector from anyone and anything that has the potential to hurt me, because although you may not say it every day, I know you want the best for me. I will always be protective over you, too, because let’s face it – you’re always going to be my little buddy, no matter how much taller than me you are.
There are also many things I want to make sure that you know. You make me so mad sometimes (but I get over it… eventually). You are not always going to be right, but neither am I. You will fail, but it will only make you stronger. I brag about you and your awesome accomplishments whenever I get the chance. You will make big mistakes, but you will learn, and that’s part of growing up. I will always be honest with you, especially when it will be hard for you to hear and hard for me to say, because that’s what I’m here for.
Just so you know, there are some things I really regret – some fights I wish you never had to hear and some tears I wish that you never had to see me, mom or dad shed. But I know that you forgive me, because you only get one big sister. And I know you wouldn’t trade me in for anything – even another puppy.
So, little brother, I know I don’t say this nearly enough, but I love you very much and I’m so grateful you are here, healthy and as obnoxious as ever, making everyone you talk to laugh. Thanks for annoying me every single day – I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Love always,
Your Big Sis
