I think we can both agree that mommy’s repetitiveness in saying, “Stop arguing! You guys have each other for life, whether you like it or not” has gotten old. You bother me when my friends are over, you make the TV too loud when I’m trying to study, and you eat the last of my ice cream.

However, you also walk the dog for me when I sleep late, give me the biggest hugs goodnight, but most importantly, you ask for my help.

While asking for my help may seem so insignificant to you, it truly means more. Now I’m not talking about you asking me to help you out and unload the dishwasher for you, but the times you truly need me. Every Facetime or text I receive from you asking for help with homework, organizing your schedule, or even how to get mommy and daddy to let you do something, is so special to me.

Now I don’t know if I ever told you this, but the day you were born was undoubtedly the happiest day of my life. The idea of transitioning from my dolls to a real person left me feeling euphoric and overly anxious for your arrival.

I used to tuck you into your crib, change your diapers, feed you, and play with you for hours on end. I bragged about “my cute baby brother” to strangers on the street.

As you got older and more independent, you no longer needed me to complete these tasks for you. I suddenly wanted to be with my friends more, and viewed you as a nuisance who was always getting in my way.

As I sit here, during the start of my second semester of college, it is all becoming clear to me. The times you need me, you value my opinion, you ask for my help, and you simply text me to say hi. All of these moments represent the day you were born.

On this day, I suddenly could become something more than just a four-year-old girl with the maturity of a 14-year-old. I now could become a role model for someone.

You still may not understand why the elementary act of asking me for help is meaningful. In fact, you may be thinking it is silly that I even took the time to write this letter to you.

I hope one day you can make sense of this. Until then, keep asking me for help. Keep asking me stupid questions I make fun of you for. Keep learning from my mistakes, and coming to me when you make mistakes of your own.

Whether you like it or not, you have me for life.

Love always,

Your mean, messy, loud, lazy, protective best friend