Dear Little Brother,

When I met you almost 17 years ago, little two and a half year old me had absolutely no idea that you would be the biggest blessing in my life. In fact, I probably wasn’t all that thrilled that I wasn’t going to be the baby of the family anymore, and it was all your fault. But I forgive you. Because today, I wouldn’t change being your big sister for the world, and I am forever grateful that you came along to complete our family.

You and I have been through so much: the good, bad, and ugly. You’ve been one of the only constants in my life. Thank you for all of the times you’ve been my rock. Thanks for being my biggest fan and cheering me on through all the big and happy moments in life, and for standing next to me and reminding me to keep my head up through all the not so happy ones. You somehow hold this amazing ability to change my outlook on anything, and you never fail to make me laugh exactly when I need it most. Not many people can do that, and you of all people know how strong headed I am.

You amaze me every day. I am so happy I have had, and continue to have, the privilege of watching you find yourself and grow into an amazing human being. I see so much of myself in you that sometimes I feel like we should have been twins. We share so many similar interests, and opinions, and even have some best friends in common. We’re both introverted, quiet and soft spoken, but also super goofy and outgoing on our own time (especially around each other). Even though I’m not sure you’ll admit it, we’re both nerds. I may be the older one, but that doesn't mean I'm always the one worth looking up to. There’s so much about you that I aspire to learn from and be more like. Your honesty, loyalty, optimism, understanding, and forgiveness are just some of the best things about you. As you start to think about where you want to head off to college and what you want to do with your life, I have complete confidence that wherever you end up and whatever you decide to do, you’ll be amazing and successful at it. I know it’s cliché, but your future is so bright. I’m so proud of you.

I honestly don’t know where I would be today without you. My life would certainly be infinitely more boring and lonely without you in it. You’re my go-to person, my adventure buddy, and my best friend since day one. I know you didn’t choose me as your sister, but thank you for continuing to choose me as a friend. So many of my favorite and best memories include you. All the inside jokes, laughing fits, late night Netflix binge sessions, car rides with loud music, deep talks, Starbucks runs, hockey games, and even just regular old school nights doing homework together while one of our favorite shows plays in the background. Thank you for all of it. Thank you for keeping all my secrets, accepting me for who I am, always being on my side and standing up for me no questions asked, forgiving me after silly fights, for being you, and most of all for being the best little brother a big sister like me could ever hope for and more. I can’t wait to take on life with you, and see where it takes us both. Even though I’m 200 miles away now instead of in the bedroom right next to yours, just remember I’m always here for you, just like I know you are for me.

Much love,

Your Biggest Fan

P.S. Sorry for being super sappy, I hope you’re not too embarrassed. Just had to let you know how awesome you are, because I probably don’t say it enough.