Dear little brother,

On Monday you will leave for basic training to become a US Marine. Processing the idea of you being gone is hard enough for everyone involved, so I'm hoping that this listicle will lighten the mood, even just a little. Here are eleven things I want you to know before you leave.

1. I'll make sure the dog doesn't forget about you.

Three months is a long time in real time, and I can only imagine that it's even longer in dog years, so I promise I will show the dog pictures of you from time to time so that she never forgets your face.

2. I'll keep your best friend company.

I guess thats what you get for unintentionally being my wing man and setting me up with your best friend, but at least you know that he's in good company.

3. I've got the phone bill.

Seeing as though we are the coolest of the siblings and get the honor of sharing a phone plan, I promise that I will pay it on time so that you still have a phone in three months.

4. I promise your PC will be in one piece when you get home.

No matter how mad I get when I am realize that I am completely awful at Fortnite, I promise I won't smash your PC while you're gone.

5. I won't listen to a Panic at the Disco song until you get home.

This is something we do every time we're in the car, and it just won't be the same without you. Therefore, I'll just suck it up for three months until you come back home.

6. I'll do my best to live up to your name in Fortnite.

Just know while you're trying your best throughout your journey in basics, I'll be trying my best to live up to your name in squads.

7. I promise I'll write you and let you know if Post Malone's new album is good.

Just in case your girlfriend forgets to do so.

8. I'll man up and cut the grass while your gone.

(I know your very concerned about the state of our grass while you're gone, but I've got this.) Don't be mistaken, I don't want to, but I'll do it out of love.

9. I'll do my best to play the 'cool uncle' to our niece and nephews.

I've already mastered the cool aunt role, so how hard can it be?

10. You'll always be taller than me.

Even if you're not the tallest one in basics, just know you'll still always be at least 3 inches taller than me.

11. I am so damn proud of you.

It takes a special kind of person to embark on the journey you are about to embark on, and I could not be a prouder older sister.

Good luck best friend, I know you've got this. I love you to the moon and back and I'll see you soon.

Love, Me