I've always found it hardest to write about the people in my life, especially those who mean the most to me. As a writer, it's assumed that putting my thoughts into words comes naturally, which it often does with ideas. When it comes to people, however, it gets more complicated. When it came to writing about my brothers? It was practically impossible.

So here I go.

Whoever said that nothing can come in between the bond of brotherhood clearly never had a little sister. Yet, I guess that saying rang pretty true for you two for a little while. Being born just over a year apart, neither of you knows life without the other. So, you grew up as best brothers and buds.

When you were told a few years later that you had a little sister on the way, you quickly realized that your duo would need to become a trio. And by your choices of name – “Gregory” or “The Little Red Hen” – it appeared that you were slightly underwhelmed. Little did you know then that you weren’t just about to become big brothers. Nope, being that baby’s older brothers meant being her personal bodyguards, chauffeurs and babysitters. But most importantly, it meant you’d become her two best friends. And so I was welcomed to this world with your unconditional brotherly love.

Then on went life: the three of us proceeded to conquer the late nineties and early 00’s through a series of video games, wrestling, jumping on the bed, and then subsequent additional wrestling. Life was simple then. After all, that was back when Saturday used to be my favorite day of the week because it meant waking up early to watch Tom and Jerry reruns and play Backyard Baseball on the computer with you. I never even liked Backyard Baseball. I hate baseball. You know I hate baseball. But none of that mattered. As long as I was spending time with you, I was happy.

Somewhere along the line, life became more complicated than computer games and cartoons. Saturday mornings grew quieter as life grew more complicated as you both grew up. Then before any of us knew it, what once was the easygoing and simple present soon became a bittersweet memory of the past. And so be it; that’s the way of life.

By now you've learned the cruel reality of this world: that it's a lot more complex than computer games and cartoons. And if there's anything that I've learned from growing up in the shadows of you two, it's that life is tough... but you're tougher.

Before placing me into this world, God knew I didn't need a sister. I didn't need someone to braid my hair, gossip, or shop with me. I needed stability, tough love, and boldness. So He granted me older brothers. But He knew I needed more. I needed compassion, loyalty, humor, friendship, and love. So He blessed me with you.

I can take pride in being called "Brendan's and Kieran's little sister," because I'm grateful to hold that title. I used to hate being called that almost as much as I hated being dragged to all of your baseball, basketball, you-name-it-any-ball games. But when I think about it now, I wouldn't have had it any other way because it's all made me who I am. Because of you, I am me; I am your wrestling matches, I am your gross habits of spitting and burping everywhere, I am your Little League baseball games, I am your little sister. And I can only hope that the exceptional people you have become has at least a tiny bit to do with me.

So as you take on this world and continue to amaze me, remember that you're not taking it on alone. Throughout the heartaches, hard times, and heartbreaks that life is sure to throw your way, I'll be your strength just like you've always been mine. And no matter where life takes you, I'll always be on the sidelines, proudly cheering you on as your number one fan.