Since birth, you have taken care of me, been my designated babysitters, and loved me unconditionally. Today, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. Not only are you my parent’s sibling, but you are an adult I’ve always looked up to. You have helped me grow into the person I am today.

As a kid, you were the coolest adult. If mom and dad said "no," I usually ran to you or to grandma. Spending nights with you were some of my favorite slumber parties. Time with you was never boring. You always bandaged my wounds that were many because I was one of the clumsiest kids you had ever met. You always made sure I was OK when you heard I was hurt. Also, you were good at giving me toys that I wanted before mom and dad to score cool points, which you were great at racking up. You spent your free time taking care of me when mom and dad couldn’t. I was always taken care of no matter what.

As a teenager, I ran to you when I had things I couldn’t tell mom and dad. You weren’t my parent, but an adult that I could go to in times of trouble. I trust you with my life, and I know you only want the best for me. Every piece of advice and story you told always came in handy. Even when I didn’t want you to be right about things, like life not ending when I didn’t get what or who I wanted. Your advice and lessons will last me forever and have helped me grow.

You were there and ready at any time I came to you and you still are. Hard times didn’t seem as hard when I had you there to comfort me. You have the biggest and most welcoming hugs. I would not have made it as far in life without you and your life lessons. Also, you gave me these cool things called cousins, for which I am forever grateful for (most of the time, except for the times we spent beating each other up, and getting in trouble).

Every time I come home exhausted and weary from exams and work, you are there to encourage me that I am almost through, and that I will finish when it feels never-ending. When I am stressed, a lot of the time just talking to you brings me back to Earth. Every time I need an “adultier” adult, that is you. You have accepted me as I am, even when you didn’t have to. You have always been there. You have loved me so deeply it hurts, and I love you with all of me and I will always. I am so thankful for the person you are, and all you have instilled in me. I promise to make you proud; it is part of what keeps me motivated. I promise that you will always have your niece by your side. Thank you for teaching me how to love, and how to persevere through every thing. For everything, I just can’t say "I love you" enough.