I knew it right when I saw that picture of you and him and your baby girl at his job training graduation ceremony. I can still see it in my mind: the simplicity of the smile on your face and the certificate in his hand and the warm embrace you shared. I can still feel the wave of joy that swept over me that day. Even today, I can barely describe the relief I felt when I realized that you had come into his life—and that you planned to stay in it.

It’s no secret that before my brother met you, he was experiencing a million awful things. He was broken. He was divorced. He was lonely. He was lost. He had no direction. He had no motivation. He was borderline estranged from my family. I felt nothing but continuous sadness for him. I wondered if this downhill slide would ever change direction and become something much more hopeful.

But today, he is different. I can say with confidence that he is changed for the better and for the long run. And I want you to know that it’s because of you.

When I first met you, I could tell immediately that you were so different from anyone he has ever known. I think the difference lies in the fact that you don’t paint yourself as anything other than what you are. You are saucy and bossy and funny and hardworking and loving and transparent and kind. Everyone knows that, and I promise you that everyone loves you for it.

Even better is that you are exactly what he needs. Not just now, at this solitary moment in time, but until death separates you. You are everything a wife should be for her husband. You are the epitome of God’s perfect design for a marriage. You accepted my brother as he was. You joyfully welcomed him into your heart. You continue to show him grace, forgiveness, and love with each passing day.

I hate to admit it, but when you first married my brother, I was unsure how long your relationship would last. I grew up watching every single one of my brother’s relationships fizzle within months, so I half-expected everything to crumble after the honeymoon phase ended. But something crazy and wonderful started happening as you built your home together—you became a true family.

Today, you have a happy home, three beautiful children, two kitties, and one pampered service dog. I would say, without a doubt, that you are #familygoals. Not only that, but it’s incredible to witness the chemistry that you and my brother share. You laugh together, cry together, and tease each other nonstop.

Love isn’t about ultra-kindness all the time, and it’s not some ridiculous servitude agreement where the wife does all the work so the husband can sit on his ass all day. No—it’s about friendship through life’s ups and downs. It’s about taking care of your precious new baby as a team. It’s about supporting my brother as he continues his education. It’s about juggling life with your best friend, and you are rocking it.

Every day before class, I take my engagement ring, promise ring, and late grandma’s ring out of the little dish you gave me as a Maid of Honor gift. I see the phrase “My sister is just like me, only better” every single day, and I’m reminded that you are better. You’re better for my brother. He is better because of you. I want to thank you for that.