I know you'll roll your eyes the second you see this post, and think "how lame" or you'll make fun of me for being sappy but I don't always get to say all the things I want to say to you, or you don't always take me seriously. Well now it's in writing, so when it comes back around I can say "I tried to tell you" or even better "I told you so."
To the one person who has always stuck by my side; the one person who manages to get under my skin but still be my best friend; and the one person who makes me so angry but so proud all in the same breath; to my younger sibling:
1. Monkey See, Monkey Do?
Don't let this apply to you. I made a lot of mistakes that I know you witnessed, and even if you saw me get away with those mistakes don't bet you'll be so lucky. A lot of those things I regret, and I'd hate to see you have the same regrets. Instead of monkey see, monkey do, try monkey see, monkey don't do.
2. I am always here for you.
I know I'm not around much since moving out of the house, but know I am always here for you. I am always just a phone call, text message, or facebook message away. Never be afraid to reach out to me. I always have your back, and will help in whatever way that I can.
3. I will always protect you.
The first kid who ever bullies you, I'll want to punch in the face. The first person who ever breaks your heart will instantly be on my shit list. You will probably always find it annoying, but that's just the way it is.
4. Never settle.
You are extraordinary, and you will accomplish great things. Don't settle for sub par, don't just scrape by. Put 100 percent into everything you do, and 100 percent will be given back to you. You don't know what you can accomplish until you try, so always try your hardest. Never settle for less then you deserve, and you deserve it all.
5. Go easy on Mom and Dad.
They already had one go around with a pain in the butt teenager, try not to go to hard them. They've been through it all once- so maybe don't make them do it ALL twice. Give them more than one word answers every now and then, let mom take you shopping, and even give them a call when you've gone away for the weekend, it means way more than you'd think.
6. You were my first best friend.
I was blessed with a live in best friend. You might not like it, but you were my first true friend. You were the one I could always rely on, and you taught me what it was like to be relied on. Don't think I'll ever forget all the silly things we did, all the imaginary games we made up, or even that fake radio show we recorded on cassette tapes; those memories are some of my favorites.
7. I'm not trying to be nosey.
When I ask about school, sports, your friends, your love life, I'm not trying to be nosey. I just want to stay informed of what's going on in your life. I miss a lot because I don't live at the house anymore, but I still care way more than you know.
8. I am so thankful for you.
Not only am I thankful that I got my live in best friend- but I am thankful for all the things you have taught me. You taught me about being a role model, how my actions can impact other people so I should choose the best ones. You taught me about forgiveness, after I hated you so much for going through my stuff or embarrassing me in front of my friends you taught me to get over it because there are more important things in life. You taught me how to share, I was an only child for a period of time and then this other person came in and suddenly not everything was mine. Overall, you taught me how to be a better person. I am so thankful for you. I love you.