Growing up, I prayed and prayed that God would give me you. I prayed for a baby brother. Someone to play with at all hours of the day was about all I had in mind at the time. I remember the day you were born, and Mom sat you in my arms and I was so confused why you were so little. You quickly grew to be an adventurous, outgoing little guy who I admired in every way. When you were born, I earned my most treasured title in life…”Big Sister.” When I was five years old and you were born, I had no clue what being your big sister would come to mean to me. 15 (almost 16, huh?) years later and being your big sister is still my favorite.

Being your big sister as a kid was much different than it is now. Ten years ago, I had you wrapped around my finger. If I told you to do something, you did it. If I did something, 99.9% of the time you did it too, copying my every move. I felt on top of the world being a big sister. I must admit it was a lot easier back then. But now you’re a teenager and you’re making decisions for yourself, driving around town with your friends, and going to homecoming dances…seriously, when did you get that old? (Wait, when did I get that old?)

I guess I never realized that just as fast as I was growing up, so were you. You don’t do as I say anymore or copy me or even like the same things as me anymore. And that’s okay.But I’m thankful for the times where you did. I wouldn’t trade you for any other brother in the world...(Even when you drive me crazy). As you continue to grow up, I hope you always know how special you have always been to me. I hope you achieve your goals and dreams and do so humbly. I hope you find happiness in the places I did and the places I didn’t. I hope you can continue to live a life you are proud of. Because despite the small arguments we have now, I’ll always believe that you deserve the world and be your biggest fan.

The day you were born I was expecting a little brother; someone to play with and do as I said. But God had a different idea… He gave me a brother, a confidant, and most importantly a best friend. He gave me someone to talk to about the things I can’t talk about with anyone else, someone to jam out in the car with and someone to be proud of. The day you were born was exciting at the time, but means so much more now.

You’ll continue to grow throughout high school while I’m away at college, and we may not always be close in distance, but you are always the dearest thing in my heart.

I love you with my whole heart, buddy!

Love always,

Your Sissy