To my baby brother,

OK, fine. I miss you. Before I moved away to college, I never thought I would miss having to share a bathroom with my younger brother or constantly having to drive him places. After the initial newness of college had worn off and I had settled in, I realized just how much I took for granted when I was living with my family. I realized that I missed the 15-hour car rides when we would give each other the silent treatment after yelling at each other. I realized that I actually missed sharing a bathroom with you (kind of) and always tripping over your dirty towels on MY side of the floor. I realized that I missed doing our chores together, taking down the Christmas lights, and feeding the pets. I realized that I missed when you would eat the food in the fridge that I specifically put a sticky note on saying "DO NOT EAT." I missed all the times we fought as kids and how you taught me how to forgive someone else because when you're family, you're family. I miss the family dinners and all of the times we got to watch each other's games because one of us always had practice. I even miss when you would wake me up at 6 a.m. on Christmas morning.

Sometimes, I think about how, when I was young, I wished with all of my heart that I could have a sister instead of a brother. I wanted someone I could gossip with, share all of my clothes with, and be my best friend. I used to complain to my mom that you would always get on my nerves on purpose just to make me mad. It's so funny thinking about that now because while we still fight constantly and make fun of each other and you still always annoy me and try to make me mad, I wouldn't trade having a younger brother for the world. Your ability to get along with anyone inspires me, your work ethic motivates me, and your easy-going nature reminds me to not take life too seriously. You've never met a stranger and you are the best friend someone could have.

Even though you are horrible at texting and are the messiest person I know, I will concede that you are a good driver. However, you are NOT better at air hockey than me and I am way better at making scrambled eggs than you.

Thank you for being there for me, even when we're in a fight (and we forgive each other 15 minutes later). Thank you for giving me grace and forgiving me for my mistakes. You make me laugh more than anyone and truly understand me. I am proud of the man you have become, even if it still makes me mad that people think you are the older sibling (stop growing, seriously).

Thank you for teaching me to be accepting always, consistently honest, and a true friend.

Thank you for being the best brother ever and for being my absolute best friend.