Although I'm an only child, I've never truly felt like one. On one side of my family, I am the oldest of seven grandchildren, with the next two being three years younger than I am.

The two boys have both been like the little brothers I never had.

I want to focus, though, on the one that will be sharing Farmville with me as he embarks on a journey to play baseball at Hampden-Sydney College. Here's a fair warning to all readers: prepare to laugh, but also prepare for me to get a little sappy.

Dear Little Cousin,

I still have not swallowed the fact that, in three short weeks, I will watch you walk across the stage and wrap up this chapter of your life. I know you're ready to ditch high school because trust me, I was checked out long before they gave me my diploma. I don't mean to sound super old when I say this, but you will miss the memories. You will miss wearing your jersey down the hall on game days, hearing people cheer for you, and you'll miss how little homework you had. Senior year left me with some really great memories; soak up the ones you'll make over the next few weeks.

Over the years, we've had a lot of laughs, some dumb arguments and have made so many memories. Nothing will ever top the countless hours of hunting (unless of course we get rich and go out West), the long days of working on the farm that turned into long nights of fishing and getting eaten by mosquitoes, and the weeks spent in the mountains riding horses. I think some of my favorite memories have been made while cutting up together in a tree stand for hours on end. But, how can I forget the countless hours spent in the truck as a backup for Chance The Rapper, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Post Malone? We have a pretty good singing career ahead of us if we ever get it off the ground!

You're beginning a new chapter in your life: college. Just so you know, Farmville rolls up its sidewalks at 5 pm. On Thursday nights, when all of your friends want to hit Patron, get there early or you won't get a table and you will smell like that place when you leave. You missed the days of Bar 202, but you will still hear about it so don't look confused. High Bridge is a great place to clear your head when schools gets too overwhelming. Longwood girls will overrun Sydney every weekend. Greek Week will be the craziest week of your life every year, and I am willing to bet you'll never attend a Longwood party.

I am so very proud of you and everything that you have accomplished. College will be tougher than you're used to, but I know you will make it. Get your school work done, but don't forget to have fun, too. I will be in attendance at every home baseball game you play. Dont worry, though, I will DEFINITELY embarrass you. I'm thinking about getting a cut out of your head for the first time you take the field. I want you to enjoy college, but just know I have friends over there and they have already been recruited to watch you like a hawk. Most importantly, I want you to remember this: I am right down the road when life gets tough. You are always welcome in my apartment, and I will always have your back. You are my best friend, my confidant, and my sidekick. And just for the record, you may be taller than me now, but I can still kick your ass! I love you, bud.

Love,

Your favorite cousin