I had always wanted an older sibling growing up. To be completely honest, I had always wanted an older brother. The thought of having someone who would look out for me and protect me in a different way than my parents could was something I had always secretly wished for.

Being the oldest and first grandchild on both sides of the family, there's a certain standard I had to meet. Nothing enforced or expected by my family, but something I always felt obligated to uphold. Hoping and wishing for an older brother to lead the way, be a role model and maybe even someone to spilt the pressure with would've been nice.

But in reality, as I was wishing for something that I didn't have, I neglected the answer that was already in front of me.

I do have a big brother. Actually, I have eight. OK, OK, they aren't technically my big brothers, but they definitely play that role in my heart.

Those eight "big brothers" of mine just happen to be my crazy, loud but ridiculously handsome little cousins. They can be a real pain in the butt a majority of the time, but they have the biggest, most caring hearts.

They live for being nosy. They'll ask you question after question — "What are you doing tonight? Why are you wearing that much makeup? Who are you texting?" — until they get to bottom of whatever it is they want to know.

Honestly, together they're probably more frightening than any actual big brother.

Whether they're quietly watching or taking protective actions, they look out for me in the same way a big brother would. Even though they're my little cousins, they act as the best "big brothers" a girl could ask for!