I know I tell mom all the time, but you're really my best friend. She probably prefers the cats over us anyways. After all, she does tell us she'd rescue the cats first if there was a fire. But, you're really my best friend. I've been your "day one" and you've been my "day 619." And, yes, I really did the math.

It's weird seeing pictures of us when we were younger, mainly because I'm taller than you for once. I hardly remember you as a toddler, rather I see you as you are now: almost a foot taller than me with your 'flow' of hair. I've always seen you as my age instead of as a baby. It's funny to me because most of my friends still see their younger brother as a 10-year-old.

One thing I'll never forget is one of the first times I had come home after college, your voice sounded 10 times deeper. You sounded like dad. Now, when she posts a picture of you or dad on Facebook, I have to do a double take because I pretty much can't tell the difference.

I know I call a lot of people my best friend, but you truly are my best friend. So, thank you.

Thank you for letting me cheer you on at your lacrosse games and dealing with me when I was first learning to drive.

Thank you for being at my graduations, even though I'm pretty sure you'd much rather have been playing video games.

Thank you for hiding in the bathroom and scaring me when I walk down the hallway.

Thank you for sharing music with me and laughing with me.

Thanks for never responding to my texts, but for responding to my Snapchats in seconds.

Thank you for looking out for the cats when I'm not home even though you take away their toys (Please, don't do that anymore. They get sad.).

Thank you for sitting through my college orientation because our parents found out you were going to throw a party at our house and that I was going to help out.

Growing up with you is something I will always cherish. I'm so proud of you and I'm excited to share your future with you (I already know my kids are going to call you 'Uncle Bubby'). I know I'm not always home, but I'm always a phone call away.

Thank you for making me an older sister. Thank you for being my best friend.

Love,

Sis

(PS — I'd save you from a fire over the cats)