There are so many reasons I love you but here are a few that I think should be recognized

You are so brave.

When I look at all the things you have accomplished in the last year it amazes me. There is no way I could be brave enough to do half the things you have done. You always live for a challenge and that is one trait that I have always been so jealous of you for having. You look at the world with no fear and you take risks. You constantly are pushing to get ahead and you strive for what you want. You turn your challenges into opportunities and your weaknesses into learning experiences. There are very few people who I have met in my day who also possess this same trait and you should be very proud of everything you have accomplished. This past year has been the hardest journey of your life. Just know you have made every single person in your family extremely proud and we are so blessed to call you ours!

You aren't afraid to express how you feel.

I know I'm not the only one who can remember little you. You were never afraid to put me in my place whether I needed it or not (I probably needed it). You always told me how you felt about everything and you were never afraid to tell others either.

You are always the life of the party.

Can anyone even have fun without you there? Whenever you are around you have this contagious attitude that makes everyone want to have a good time. You aren't afraid to be the butt of a joke and you are even better at defending yourself, anything to make others laugh and have a good time.

You would have my back no matter what.

I know if I ever needed you for anything you would be there in a heartbeat. I can't thank you enough for all the hour-long vent sessions you had to listen to about things you probably didn't even care about. You never take me for granted and you always remind me how much I mean to you.

You have survived 19 years with me.

There actually has never been a time in my life where I didn't know you because you have literally been my friend since the day I was born (even though you didn't have a choice). I know at times I could be the biggest pain but thank you so much for continuing to involve me in your life.

You are the big sister I never had.

You make me so proud. I love you so much it almost hurts. You really are one of the most important people in my life and no matter where life takes us I know you will always be someone I can count on. I am glad that we are "cousins by chance, but friends by choice." Keep working hard and doing what you love! I have so much confidence in you and I am so proud and privileged to call you my cousin!

Lots of love,

Your cousin