Having an older brother is truly a blessing. While growing up he played a huge part in the girl I was and continues to play a huge part in influencing the young woman I am today. Despite the rough fights we had when we were little that included my super sharp nails digging into his skin and the endless amounts of ice cubes whipped at each other in the house as we fought when our parents weren't home, I still love him. I have a lot to thank him for. Number one, on the list of things I have to thank him for is for pushing me to be the best that I can possibly be. He started doing that when I played softball and basketball growing up and he still continues to do that when it comes to everything else I do today. Then there is also his sport knowledge that rubbed off on me growing up. From roller hockey tournaments in the court we lived in, to intense two on two driveway basketball games I slowly began to understand just how sports were played. I remember specifically freshman year when a girl hit a ball in gym class and ran to third base instead of first. I cringed when she did that thinking if I hadn't had the guidance from my brother regarding baseball, that could very well have been me. Next, I have to thank him for always having my back when it came to fights with friends, but also having the courage to tell me when I was in the wrong during a fight. I'm grateful for him being a great listener when things upset me and I'm at my lowest points. I'm also grateful for a lesson that he taught me that he might not actually realize he taught me. It's because of him that I get a little insight into how the male brain works. It's because of him that I have respect for other guys’ feelings because, believe it or not, guys have feelings too. He showed me how a guy should be feeling when he's not with you. He sets the bar for how a guy who truly cares about me should treat me. I learned to only have respect for the guys that show me respect and move on from the guys that don't. I'm a lucky child because I have a sibling. However, I'm blessed that my sibling was my brother. I love him with all my heart and wouldn't change the good, or the bad, times we've had for anything.