I started writing this out of nostalgia, looking back at a time when we were both still very little kids with very few problems and a lot of good memories. Things weren’t always easy, and we weren’t always nice to each other, but everything was simpler. With you around, it was always fun and I could count on that. Once in a while, I think back to those days to help me stay optimistic about a pretty uncertain future.

I looked at the picture of us here and realized that was taken about 14 years ago. Nearly a decade and a half passed from then until now.

So with that in mind, I don’t want to write about that little-kid Christian there, that “obsessed with Power Rangers and Spider-Man and thinks he’s a cyborg werewolf” Christian. We’ve both grown up a lot since then, so I want to talk about the artsy, nearly-driving high school-aged Christian. You’re without a doubt one of the smartest, most caring, genuine people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. No matter what’s going on at home, no matter how stressful the situation may be at times, you have the ability to light up the room instantly with nothing more than some hilarious off-the-cuff comment. It’s helped our little family through some rough times more than you could ever know.

I’m convinced you’re one of the most loyal and genuine people alive right now. After meeting so many jaded people, dealing with so many flakes and fake friends since I left home, it’s amazing to me that you’re living proof of the contrary. Seeing you grow up with friends you’ve had since kindergarten has been incredible; they’re really lucky to have you, and I hope they never take that kindness for granted.

Our interests and schedules have changed, and I know we’re not as close as we used to be because of it, but you’re still my best friend. I’m still as grateful to have you in my life as I was the day I got to hold you for the first time at the hospital. And just like on that day, I still can’t believe how big you are, how much you’ve grown over the years. In a year and half, you’ll be able to start making that bright, limitless future ahead of you a reality, forging your own path in life and making people laugh along the way. No matter what you choose to do or where you decide to go, though, just know that I support you 10,000 percent.

If I’ve learned anything from the kid who had the soda-can house he wrote about in second grade come to life, it’s that you can make anything you set your mind to a reality. You inspire me to take risks and push myself even on days where I can barely get out of bed. I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished up to this point, and I’m beyond excited to see what my best friend does with his life.

Closing this with the best name I’ve ever been given in my life,

Brubby.