I know we weren't best friends growing up, hell, we fought with each other any chance we got. But that's what siblings are for, right? We didn't have a typical childhood- we've watched sickness and death more times than we should have too, and perhaps the hardest thing we watched was our parents' marriage fall apart, in an unusual and ugly way. We were young. You were too young to really understand what was going on and I bet you were confused. We don't talk about it- and that's okay. I don't expect you too because I don't like talking about it either. And I know that these things did a number on our relationship, we took our anger out on each other instead of being there for each other.

But I want you to know that there wasn't one moment through all of it that I wasn't proud to be your sister. You are my little brother, and to me, that meant protecting you any way I could. And maybe that's what I was trying to do when we younger, but I didn't do it the right way. I'm sorry for that. The truth is, I couldn't be more proud of the man you have become and are still growing into. It's your senior year of high school, where the time went, I don't know- but in a few months you will be graduating, and will be off to bigger and better things. The possibilities and choices you have are endless. You are brilliant, and when you really want something, you will do anything you have to to get it. I envy your intelligence because it comes so natural to you.

Don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't smart enough, because that will never be true. And don't let anyone ever tell you that you aren't good enough either- because you can do anything you set your mind too. I'm jealous of that too. I know you have some big choices to make, and it's okay to be scared and excited at the same time. The rest of your life is about to begin, but you don't need to have it all figured out right now. And I know whatever you choose to do, wherever you choose to go, and whoever you choose to be, will make you happy, and that's all that matters. Watching you grow up has definitely been interesting, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. You have a huge heart, but rarely let your guard down. You have walls built up, and make it hard for people who try to tear them down. I know this, because I was the same way. And I know I'm not the person who will bring those walls down, or the person you will tell your deepest darkest secrets too, and that's okay. Because I know that you have been loved, and have loved. By an amazing young woman, who I know wants to bring those walls down- so let her. It will be the best decision of your life. She makes you smile, and that has been rare. Little do you know, your smile can light up a room, along with your crude sense of humor.

That's what makes you, you- and you're pretty spectacular. Brady thinks so too. You may not know this, but he looks up to you like you're a superhero. He thinks you're one of the coolest human beings to walk the earth. Remember that. And I know our family is crazy, but they love you too, and will always support you know matter what you do. You just have to embrace the craziness, because we got pretty lucky. Our mom is pretty awesome- weird, definitely a weirdo, but awesome. And so is our dad. We got lucky to have parents that would do anything for us, sometimes they aren't the best at expressing it, but they love us more than anything.

So, make the best of your senior year, because before you know it, May will be here, and I will be home again clapping for you as you walk across the stage. I will always be one of your biggest fans. I know these words are long overdue, but my point is this- I love you, and even though you can be a shithead 90% of the time, I'm glad I got stuck with you as my younger brother.