Dear younger brother,

You were often compared to me as we were growing up. I'm sure growing up with an older sister was not easy. You would constantly hear, "well your sister did this," and "why can't you jump on your homework like your sister did?" and "why don't you do this? Your sister does!" You had the same teachers I did and you had expectations to live up to, and I'm sorry for that. We are definitely not the same, and instead of you being compared to me, it's time I compare myself to you. It's time for you to shine!

No matter how many times I said it when we were younger, I never hated you and I never could.

I underappreciated you.

The truth is, I can not picture my life without my brother. You mean the absolute world to me! I have never met someone as kind, sweet, witty, intelligent, and talented as you. I am beyond excited to see which college you choose and which career you decide upon. The possibilities are endless, but whatever you decide to do, it will be amazing. Your future is so bright and I'm not sure you realize how special you truly are.

I was not a great sister to you when we were younger, and I am so sorry. I liked having all of the attention and you complicated that for me. You were the sweet baby, and I was the tornado. You would follow me around everywhere and it annoyed me then, but now I think it was precious. I regret how I treated you; I was mean and pushed you around.

I was once asked, "why can't you be sweet like your brother?" and that stuck with me for a long time.

You are slow to anger. You do not speak ill towards anyone and we all could learn from you. Instead of dwelling on the bad qualities, you try to see the best in people. Now, you are bigger and stronger than me, in more ways than just height and muscle. For the past 16 years, I am amazed by how much you have grown physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in your faith.

You have taught me more than you could possibly imagine. I am so grateful and blessed to have you as my brother. I was once asked if I wished I had a sister instead of a brother, and the answer was no. Having an additional sibling would have been okay, but I could never have traded you for anyone else.

One of the most important things you have taught me is that not all men are terrible. You restore my faith in males. When I was bawling my eyes out over a bad breakup while we were driving down the road in a monsoon, you listened to me rant without interrupting. Once I finished, you looked at me and said everything was going to be okay.

You were right.

As siblings, we trust each other with things. We talk more and are closer than ever. I cherish the forty-five-minute phone calls and our talks about what's going on at our respective schools. Now that I'm away at college, I hate missing out on things, but I love hearing about what is going on in your life.

I love our fast food runs and when you come in my room to show me a project you had been working on. I love your art and your ingenious ideas. I love how excited you get when talking about your inventions. I love how you tease me. I love how you are so sweet with our pets. I love spending time with you. I love you, bubba!

I remember when you would always ask if I wanted something to eat. You would cook for me and bring me stuff when I was sick. You were always coming up with new recipes. You can be so thoughtful and caring.

I remember when you went through a phase of not wanting to show any affection, but I AM SO GLAD YOU HUG ME BACK NOW! Each time I leave home, I cry. Before I leave you, give me a huge hug and I just don't want to let go. You tell me "love you!" each time and it warms my heart.

I am so proud of you, and sometimes I wish I was more like you. I wish I was more laid back and calm. I wish I had your sense of humor. I wish I was as smart as you.

So, why can't I be more like my baby brother?

I could go on forever about how much you mean to me and how awesome you are, but you already know all of this. Being a younger sibling means you get a cheat sheet because I was the guinea pig, but I am glad I can offer advice and tell you about my experiences so you can learn from them.

Being the second child does not mean you are worth less. It does mean you do not have to work as hard. And it certainly does not mean that you have it easy. The best part is that you get to choose your own path with extra advice from someone closer to you in age. Parents have been there and done that too, but they aren't as cool as your big sis!

I love you with all my heart, and I always will.

Love,

A proud big sister